I thought I was clever. I decided that I will write this week about space – something I haven’t really explored on this blog much before. I put space into the search bar located on the left side here and a whole bunch of posts came up. Surprise to me! I had written about space before. Oops! Space has been taking space in the spaces of my heart and mind for many spaces of time.
I reread this quote from 2011 from Henri Nouwen:
In the spiritual life, the word ‘discipline’ means ‘the effort to create some space in which God can act’. Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up. Discipline means that somewhere you’re not occupied, and certainly not preoccupied… to create that space in which something can happen that you hadn’t planned or counted on.
Creating space for God to act. I like that.
Then there is physical spaces that create environments conducive to our spiritual growth – places of quiet, inviting reflection, where nature may heal or sooth, where God may whisper. I have spots in my home that are sacred spaces. I have visited sacred spaces, thin places, throughout the world. I have experienced places not famous as sacred but became holy to me because I met God there – a meadow at a retreat center, a beach in Florida, a labyrinth.
Then the not physical spaces.
The space between each other. Between friends. Between family. Between “the other.” Even the ones we disagree with. Space filled with love and joy. Space that is uncomfortable. Space overflowing with fear and uncertainty. Something we stand too close; other times we wish something would come near. We don’t handle these spaces well and I sure wish we did a better job for all of our sakes with this type of space. But these spaces are sacred – God is present there too.
What about the space in our “dash”? Remember that old story about the dash? The poem often read at funerals – it’s how you spend your life between the dates of your birth and death that matters. How are we making a difference in our sacred space of our lives?
And how do we enter sacred space? Do we rush in expecting to “feel” God’s presence at our beck and call? I know when I go on retreat it takes hours if not a full day to slow down enough to allow my soul to catch up with my heart and become one again. Some mornings my mind races ahead with all my to-do’s even though I try to focus only on praising and adoring my Creator. Good ol’ monkey brain takes over. Too much hustle and not enough holy. Deep breathes, lighting a candle, and journaling helps. Relying on the Holy Spirit too of course.
Savoring sacred spaces throughout the day. These glimpses, smiles with God – watching the sparrows out my office window, seeing the flowers bloom in my backyard, sharing the swing with my hubby and morning coffee. Watching grandkid play softballs and celebrate birthdays. Eating ice-cream. Learning something new (hey I never thought of that!) Music. Laundry on the line outside.
Spaces of rest too. Rest is sacred. Rest for the body. Rest for the soul. My hyper get it done personality squeezes too much into the spaces of life and often rest has no room.
Ironically I am writing this post early as when it posts I will be on a silent retreat – with space to walk, listen, rest, enter, reflect, and be with God. Will see what sacred space will invite me to learn.
What is sacred space teaching you right now?
Jean, a silent retreat sounds so inviting right about now. ‘Creating space for God to act.’ Thankfully He, can meet us in our homes, in our gardens, on the pathways outside our door. We give Him the space and honor due Him when we close down our devices so we can hear His tender beckoning.
God is everywhere!! Thank heaven!
So many ways to view space! Thank you for stretching my view here of spaces. And I love knowing you are at your silent retreat. I hope you are experiencing new insights and come home extra refreshed!
I found the spaces between us and others the most challenging though. Am working on that – seeing that sacredness. Yes lots of insights and refreshment on retreat though surprising some more distractions than usual this time. still processing the meaning of that lesson too. God is always teaching us though.
thank you jean…my 2 night retreat last week got short by getting sick first day out…had to go to urgent care only to find out i had covid..getting better …this sacred space taught me that God can change plans and i need to go with His flow…not mine…He is so great..
peace
I am so sorry you got sick and I hope you are better now. That nasty Covid. UGH. my retreat went well but more distracted than usual. long story but home now and getting back to routines. lots of blessings and lessons. and like you said. go with the flow, God is in control.
Sacred places are everywhere around us when we take the time to look, listen, feel, and cease rushing from pillar to post. I do love those days when I can simply rest, and appreciate these more and more the older I get.
You always give us much food for thought and reflection, Jean. Blessings!
Thanks Martha, I do know when I pay attention I do see the holy in all things. I just need to slow down and look and wow God is there!
For years I sat on the sofa or at the kitchen table to pray. Several years ago I began kneeling by a bed, just like I did as a child with my grandmother. As it happens, my ability to focus is much improved in this position. I wonder what might result if, while seeking to make sacred space for God’s presence, I journaled for a bit on my knees? (Just a bit may be all my knees can survive! 😁) I’ve put a note in my prayer box to remind me.
Let me know what you discover, Nancy. I am not sure my knees would survive though I do have a kneeing bench in my office. Maybe I should try that. would be easier . Thanks for the idea