No, this post isn’t about war!
Here we are, January 12, 2010. Leaving in 2 days. Gulp. But, my tanks are almost ready!
Now, if you are wondering what I mean, I will tell you! It’s a bit of a long story, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea (or water) and get ready.
In the long long ago year of 2004, I took a class called Human Growth and Development. We met once a week at night in an old, slightly grotty building. Our teacher was a really interesting lady, but the only things I seem to really remember about her are that she was blonde, she rented out some property, and I am pretty sure she was a believer.
Anyway, during our segment on children’s growth and development, we talked about the stage that young children go through where they are beginning to be independent. One of the examples was children at the playground who go off to play and have fun, but periodically come back just to stand near their parental unit. Either the book or our teacher called this refilling the love tank.
Apparently, refilling the love tank works for twentysomethings, too!
My good friend and I also used this same idea, but with nature. When we had spent too much time in the city, it was a joy to escape and drive up the Natchez Trace (a beautiful scenic road). Usually, one of us would exclaim, “My nature tank is filling up!” When we traveled to beautiful Asheville, NC, we would fill a few spare nature tanks!
Now, living in Hokkaido, my nature tank basically stays full. It is often getting topped up as I travel to school. But, on this trip, I am happy to report that the following tanks are full, or nearing fullness:
Hug tank
Sunshine tank
Family tank
Friend tank
Mexican food tank
Blizzard tank (the DQ ice cream, not the winter event)
Driving tank
Coffee tank
Amazing grocery store tank
Shopping tank (believe it or not, I’m getting tired of shopping)
Monk tank (the TV show, not the religious men in brown robes)
English tank
I am hoping that these tanks are full enough to last until my next visit home!
Here we are, January 12, 2010. Leaving in 2 days. Gulp. But, my tanks are almost ready!
Now, if you are wondering what I mean, I will tell you! It’s a bit of a long story, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea (or water) and get ready.
In the long long ago year of 2004, I took a class called Human Growth and Development. We met once a week at night in an old, slightly grotty building. Our teacher was a really interesting lady, but the only things I seem to really remember about her are that she was blonde, she rented out some property, and I am pretty sure she was a believer.
Anyway, during our segment on children’s growth and development, we talked about the stage that young children go through where they are beginning to be independent. One of the examples was children at the playground who go off to play and have fun, but periodically come back just to stand near their parental unit. Either the book or our teacher called this refilling the love tank.
Apparently, refilling the love tank works for twentysomethings, too!
My good friend and I also used this same idea, but with nature. When we had spent too much time in the city, it was a joy to escape and drive up the Natchez Trace (a beautiful scenic road). Usually, one of us would exclaim, “My nature tank is filling up!” When we traveled to beautiful Asheville, NC, we would fill a few spare nature tanks!
Now, living in Hokkaido, my nature tank basically stays full. It is often getting topped up as I travel to school. But, on this trip, I am happy to report that the following tanks are full, or nearing fullness:
Hug tank
Sunshine tank
Family tank
Friend tank
Mexican food tank
Blizzard tank (the DQ ice cream, not the winter event)
Driving tank
Coffee tank
Amazing grocery store tank
Shopping tank (believe it or not, I’m getting tired of shopping)
Monk tank (the TV show, not the religious men in brown robes)
English tank
I am hoping that these tanks are full enough to last until my next visit home!
Comments
If you can get it on your Kindle, I think you would enjoy it.
How to Really Love Your Child
by D. Ross Campbell
Written from a Christian perspective, this acclaimed bestseller - with more then 1,000,000 sold - helps parents manifest love toward their children in all situations of child-rearing. It covers topics such as physical touch, effective discipline and spiritual nurture.
Paperback, 250 pages
Published March 25th 2004 by Cook Communications (first published 1977)
I am so happy that your tanks are filled! Just do not develop any leaks! :) I love you so very much.