I'll go ahead and tattle on myself before John does. I did something stupid after the elders meeting on Thursday morning. I was rushing to get to a breakfast appointment and I ran out of gas. Motivated by the desire to be on time and faithful to my promise, I was so late that I missed the opportunity completely. (I ended up re- scheduling and I paid for the guy's lunch - do you think that made up for my mistake? I don't think so. It doesn't work that way.) I had time to make a few calls as I sat in the cold truck on the side of the freeway. I confessed my mistake to John and to my wife. Annie asked me if I hadn't noticed that the gas gauge was low. I admitted that I had been aware of it all week but kept telling myself I could go a little farther, even when the needle was significantly below the ominous "E." Passion is great, but so is planning. I often say in these Messages About Purpose and Strategy that we exist to glorify God by leading people to follow Christ. We get all enthusiastic about doing this and that as fast as we can, all in fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples, but we risk running out of gas if we do not plan ahead. We can't keep up the pace without refueling now and then. So, what are your gauges saying right now? Have you been neglecting the obvious? Without monitoring our tank, we turn the risk of failure into a reality. More can be less. Faster can be slower. Sooner can be later. If you neglect to fill your tank, you won't get to where you want to go. Refuel for the long haul by stopping to meet with God. Without him, progress will come to an embarrassing stop.