Running on Empty: Contemplative Spirituality for Overachievers

Running on Empty was such a powerful read that I bought additional copies for my co-workers who have been convinced that DOING is more important than BEING.

I read this book some time ago for the first time. I have since read it over ten times. Fil can resonate with the simplest ideas. I was so impressed that I flew Fil out to speak to our staff of 55 employees for a two day retreat. His masterful storytelling and practical ideas just keep filling you over and over. I recognized the path of destruction he writes about with many in the work of ministry, but it also applies to those in business and families. The second half of the book with the path of recovery gives hope to all of us who have had the American work ethic shoved down our throats for so many years. There are practical life applicatons. There are the tried and true and many new ways too. Read it and study it, the book is a life changing opportunity. It should be in every personal library.

I bought ten copies of Fil Anderson's book before I ever read it. Knowing Fil and his journey, I knew that his words would be insightful, witty, calming, challenging, funny, thought-provoking and gentle. I knew that Fil would be authentic in relating his life experiences while making those experiences relevant to his readers. I knew that he has been down the roads many of us have traveled, trying to make vocation, marriage, parenting all work together rather than against one another. Running on Empty exceeded my expectations.Fil quotes Martin Luther, "While I drink my little glass of Wittenberg beer, the gospel runs it course," then comments: Surely this is one of the truest and most reassuring things ever said about beer and God in the same breath. While some might be offended that beer and God are intertwined in the same sentence, the essence of Fil's message comes through loud and clear: stop trying to achieve for God and enjoy being with God.You'll find practical advice for walking the journey, without adding guilt-laden "to-do's" to your list of things you haven't gotten around to. This marvelous book will encourage you toward greater intimacy with Abba.

Fil Anderson's book, Running on Empty struck a nerve that continues to resonate to this day. As a preacher in a little church in Washington, DC once said,"If you can't say amen, just say ouch!" I had to say ouch as I read of Fil's journey and struggle with a busy ministry but unfulfilled relationship with the Jesus that he had given himself to years before.As one who has known the same busy-ness and emptiness, it was great to hear the story of a fellow sojourner and get some practical help on how to reconnect with the One who cares more for us than we care for ourselves.I highly recommend this book for all who are feeling physically and spiritually drained and looking to rekindle or ignite the intimacy of a person relationship with Christ.

Fil Anderson's gut level honesty opens us up to be aware of our own frantic pace in life. The first half of Running on Empty tells the author's life story of the "barreness of busyness". Externally productive and successful he finds himself physically and spiritually bankrupt living for God rather than with Him. The painful experiences were something I could relate to and the inspirational stories gave me hope for renewed intimacy with Christ. In the second part of the book Anderson offers up some ancient Christian practices to anchor our souls in the Presence of God and find a healthy rhythm of life. He does this reluctantly not wanting to add one more thing to our "to do list" but he effectively passes on the desire to be in a position that allows God to care for us. I highly recommend this book for every church leader who feels they are chasing after the wind without a sail and every lay person in a storm without an anchor.