08/25/10

The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket
(from the book How Full Is Your Bucket?)

Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending on our daily interactions with others. When our bucket is full, we feel great. We are productive. We make a positive impact on our workplace. When it is empty we feel down. We are deflated.

Each of us also has an invisible dipper. When we do or say things that increase positive emotions in others, we are using that dipper to fill their buckets. Conversely, when we are negative, we are using that dipper to decrease others' positive emotions by dipping from their bucket.

A full bucket gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. Every drop in that bucket makes us stronger and more optimistic.

An empty bucket poisons our outlook, saps our energy, and undermines our will. That's why every time someone dips from our bucket, it hurts us.

But this works both ways. When we fill others' buckets, our bucket is also filled. And when we dip from others' buckets, our own bucket is emptied in turn. So we face a choice every moment of every day: We can fill one another's buckets, or we can dip from them. It's an important choice - one that profoundly influences our relationships, productivity, health and happiness.

I heard this in our teacher devotions yesterday. In order to be filled and fill others it is also important for us to stay filled in God's Word daily so that we can be what we need to be for others. I am thankful the Lord can fill me in ways that no one else could!