White Space
Day 59
When there is no white space, there is the potential for unglued moments. Emotional white space.
Do I have any?
How do I get me some?
I have been operating on emotional overdraft for a while now. This is not a good place from which to maneuver through life. Indeed there is much potential for unglued moments.
I love the idea of white space. The perfect margin around the edge of my paper. The matte of picture. The canvas of artist. A clean white board. They represent completion, boundaries, security, and hope. Perhaps the Lord had this in mind when He created our Sabbath rest.
- Completion: the end of a work week
- Boundaries: no more work beyond this point
- Security: the Creator said, on the 7th day rest, so I must rest.
- Hope: a new week, no possibilities, last week is over
A few years ago in my studies I discovered Matthew 11: 28-30 in The Message. I hope it blesses and encourages you as much as it does me.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
We have to guard our Sabbath rest and ask God to help us create white space in our lives. This prevents emotional overdraft and unglued moments. When He gives His answer we have to be willing to accept it, even if it means say no or giving up something we love. He knows best what we have time for.
A true Sabbath rest is so hard to have for those who are caring for small children or the disabled. They sometimes need the rest more than others. This is where we can serve, by stepping in and giving that parent a time of rest, especially in a single parent home. While I might not have a true sabbath rest, God is showing me how to carve out time out of my day to create this white space. “Nap when they nap” (rest when they rest), really is a phrase I believe God created for us. I love these thought on emotional overdraft and white space… What do I do with the time God gives me… Hmmmm….