Making Space
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"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-12
My husband and I love gardening. We've had one every year since we've been married. One thing we both struggle with at planting time is proper spacing between plants and seeds. When I get started, I usually stick to the recommended sowing or planting distance, but as my vision fatigues and distractions to help my kids pull me away, that spacing slowly gets closer and closer. Plus, with tiny little plants and seeds, it seems unnecessary to allow so much room for something so small.
"I could fit so much more in here if I put this just an inch or two closer..."
Often in life, we can get caught in the same trap when it comes to our time. Have you ever consulted the family calendar and realized that it has somehow become more complicated than before? (Was that even possible?!) We are more and more "busy" every year, calendars filled to the brim leaving little time to spend on things we wish we could: a sustainable fitness routine, time for meal planning and food prep, quality hours with people we admire or family we hold dear, and, most importantly, time for quiet prayer and reflection to nurture our relationship with God.
We naturally want to fill in the gaps of our time, energy, and productivity. We see that gap in the calendar just like I see that gap in my garden. It's space, let's fill it!
Sometimes, being made for more means making space for less.
Of course we all encounter seasons of life that are busier than others, something I'm properly versed in as a mom of four kids ages 6 and under.
Challenging ourselves to not overbook is quite a task in this world of endless birthday parties, school activities, work functions, sports leagues, and Instagram pictures of what everyone else seems to have time for. Without the space to grow and nurture our bodies and minds, we choke ourselves out like the plants from my garden, causing our endeavors to compete for our time and energy as my once-small onion plugs compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Though my planting is well-intentioned, sometimes those poorly spaced plants grow to a point that it's obvious neither will survive if they both remain. Similarly, life just happens, and our gaps of time fill up and limit our space for growing in God's love and grace. It can feel counterintuitive to pull out an existing bud. But if you don't pull out one, neither sprout will thrive.
How do you make space for God and your own growth today? Is there an opportunity to do some pruning, opening up time for prayer, an extra workout, or a bonus hour for planning healthy meals for your week?
If we make the space, we become receptive to God's gentle whisper. It is with that space that we can find the "more" we all yearn for.