Getting real with Amy Leigh Simpson

Today we're getting real with author Amy Leigh Simpson. She's a fantastic writer who is waiting for that first contract - and can't be far from it, since she's not only incredibly talented, she just landed agent Chip MacGregor. Score :)

Amy and I met at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference last year, connected over the internet through blogs and Facebook during the following 11 months, and at this past ACFW conference in September a few weeks ago, realized how much our friendship really means to each other! She is a beautiful, sweet woman of God who can write, sing, and bonus - her husband looks a lot like Jude law. ha! I'm so glad to know her, and so blessed she contributed to my blog today. 

ABOUT AMY:

Amy Leigh Simpson is the completely exhausted mother of two of the most fearless, rambunctious, and adorable tow-headed toddler boys in the Midwest. She writes Romantic Suspense and loves to take readers on a spirited journey of finding grace and redemption through stories that are equally inspiring, nail-biting, and hilarious--and maybe a little saucy! Check out Amy's blog about life, lit, and the love of writing at http://writersbreakroom.blogspot.com/

Here's what Amy thinks about getting real....

Ever feel empty? Like you have nothing to give?

I’d like to offer a magic formula or maybe a pep-talk on how to juggle all the pieces of life without breaking a sweat; how to emerge victorious at the end of each day with a full dose of sanity. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to hide behind some flowery words and a perfectly airbrushed smile, life is messy, and this mama is still trying to manage the clutter.

My life as a mom is fulfilling, and so very wonderful, but often my patience, my joy, my energy become dwindling resources—that gauge falling lower and lower until a desperate light flicks on and signals all the ways I am empty and in need of filling. The babies are up at 6 A.M., caffeine is flowing, I may have spent a few precious moments in the Word, and then countless transactions take and take and take until I am scraping the bottom, trying to be enough.

The problem is, I’m not enough. My intelligence, my rationale, my ability to love, any of my skills that I rely on to make it through the day fail me. Why? Am I not trying hard enough? Praying enough?

You may think you see people who look all put together and carefree. Shoot, I know people who think that about me! But let me just say—for the record—I’m not. And I know why.

There is a scripture in 2 Corinthians 4 that calls us jars of clay—which is a way of saying that I am merely a vessel. But why a jar? Why not a vault, a tank, or some bulletproof safe? A jar, especially one made of clay is fragile, weak—and much more vulnerable to shatter when its empty. Why can’t I be supermom—all brawn and steel and composure? Why must I be this needy and flimsy thing?

Because I need God! You need God. As much as we try, we are not self-sufficient. We were made for him—flaws, weaknesses, the whole dysfunctional kit and caboodle was designed to depend on God for EVERYTHING.

As much as you might try to carry it all, wear all those hats, be everything, you can’t. And this is not me telling you to quit trying—quit striving for greatness. But this is a wake-up call for those of you who are weary. There is rest. There is a fount that never runs dry.

John 4:14 says “but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Are we all just full of ourselves? What are you filling your jar with—your efforts or the One thing that is always more than enough?

Even when you feel empty, if you tap into the right source, your jar will always be full.

So you see, there is a simple answer—seek Him. Let Him fill you up. There is no greater source. Not one.

THANK YOU, Amy!

We'd love to hear comments from you, dear Reader. Are you tired? Where do you fill up? Who can relate to this post today? (I'm raising my hand...)