Intentions

I generally set goals for each day.

Sometimes I am overly ambitious and don’t get to everything. Sometimes there is an emergency or at least something that gets inserted that is urgent and it takes a chunk of time to work through leaving the rest of my list unchecked.

There is tomorrow, after all.

At least I assume there will be.

Now that the days, months, and years are flying by, I need to make sure my bigger goals are being tended to. I have generally been working on them all along, but who really knows how much time there is left to accomplish them.

Of course, God knows.

But on this matter, I am in the dark. I need to keep plugging away. And making sure that He is leading the way. Often, when something is heavy on my heart, that is God nudging — and sometimes pressing — me to make a move.

Setting goals or intentions is only part of the challenge. Then there is the the actions that make them happen. And then the re-evaluation mid-stream.

Is this really the direction I want to go?

Sometimes we set off on a path with every intention of doing that thing and over time it becomes apparent that it isn’t going to happen, no matter how hard we try.

Our effort is not the only factor at play.

Sometimes it is nice to start the day with a blank page. Maybe there are a few anchor tasks here and there but, overall, the day is open to where you are lead. In this case, of course, you want to look to who you want to lead the day. What are those things pressing on you? What adjustments do you need to make on your expectations of yourself and others.

What is God doing in your day, today?

The Spaces

Let’s pray for those spaces in our days!

First of all, it is important to set aside space to speak with God and hear His Word — even when it seems we don’t have it. Maybe even especially when we don’t think we have the space.

But you might be wondering — what are the spaces good for?

Aside from that communication with God, space in our day is good for perspective, rest, unexpected events, emergencies.

Holding space for unexpected situations is important. Recognizing that they are a possibility is wise. Of course, there may be days that are packed in with things we need to do, but that can’t be the regular course of our days.

Those few extra minutes here and there are spaces that give us time to think, connect, ponder, and be. They also give us an opportunity to notice and explore — to inquire and listen.

Spaces in our days allows some separation from the world and some processing time as we move from place to place. It gives us a pause. It gives us a moment to catch our breath.

Heavenly Father — Help me recognize the spaces in my life and what you would like to accomplish through them! Amen.

Space

As we have traveled through some wide-open country we have enjoyed some amazing sunsets and sunrises. Some days the sky has been full of clouds and other days there wasn’t one to be found. And then, as we drove through Kansas, there was an amazing harvest moon. It was all beautiful.

When we lived in New York, we weren’t in the BIG city but we were in the middle of a long stream of cities all butted up against one another and we had to drive a bit to get to some open space. I actually don’t know how people can live and work so much in the heart of a major city without getting out to find some space. It is so refreshing for me!

Room to grow. Space to think. Time for refreshment.

You might not be able to take a road trip but creating space in your day or at least in your week can be really beneficial. Creating boundaries on your time can be a part of self-preservation and actually free you up with energy to tackle the things you either need to do or want to do. It can also help you see what you are busy-ing yourself with that isn’t really essential. There are some activities we all participate in that are not helpful nor beneficial and end up stealing important time from us.

Search Scripture. Ponder. Pray.

When we move over and allow God to have some space to be in and move in our lives we can often better see what He is doing. But, even if we can’t, as we are saturated in His Word we will grow in our trust that He is working things out. It is easy to let other entertainment or activity crowd Him out, but taking a break from our regular routine and inserting some additional time with God can give us a new perspective.

⁶I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
⁷Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes. [Psalm 17:6-7, NIV]

God’s blessings as you discern where you have the opportunity to create space for God to work in your heart and life!

Liz

PrayerPrompt: LIGHT

Making Time to Be Still

nomarginsaw Have you ever read a book with minimal margins? I haven’t seen one and I don’t know for sure that one exists but just imagine one with me.

What about a life with minimal margins?

We all have different margin needs. All the things listed here are great things. But there are things missing too. And, likely, over time or in different circumstances our needs for margins change. I know mine have. Different stages of life have different demands. But when I am running from one thing to the next and I don’t have any space built in, I run ragged. I am definitely not as patient. And I am not as open to possibly wonderful things because they don’t fit into my schedule. I don’t have time to be sick or visit with a friend who might be unexpectedly passing through town or even notice God trying to get my attention.

I can’t live like that.

I don’t believe many people can. Making space in our day, in our week, and in our lives is important. Sometimes we need to space to regroup. Sometimes we need the space to recharge. Sometimes we need the space because it is important “to be” without any expectation of producing anything. And while God can work in any circumstance, there are times that a quiet space is where we are able to see Him working. It clears my mind and cleanses my perspective. Creating space to pray, play, or simply rest is so important! If I have no margins, there is no room to move.

marginsaw But that isn’t exactly how our world tends to think. It is easy to get caught up in the gain, the advance, the conquer….and sometimes we lose ourselves in the process. Respite from the world’s demands and times to ponder and pray can make our days, our nights, and our responses more informed, more measured, and more calm.

When things are feeling a little crazy for me, I take stock of all I am trying to juggle and I usually see that I need to make some adjustments in my schedule. It is important to evaluate and adjust according to my current circumstances. So, here I am, still clinging to this verse from Psalm 46:10. It reminds me that I am not wonder woman and I am not God. I don’t know it all. I don’t have to do it all. It gives me permission to “be still” and rest in my knowledge of God!

On the Road,

Liz

be-stillp