As I considered all the changes I needed to make awhile back, the word “enough” seemed to keep rolling out of my restless heart and consuming my anxious thoughts.
Photo/Jordan
Where do I begin?
Do I work on one of those book proposals? Do I need to write another blog post? Do I have a speaking event scheduled this month? Do I need to work on my website?
I don’t know where to start! Enough!
At first, I thought this mental confusion might be an emotional reaction to stress. Soon, I realized that I needed a divine revelation.
I needed some white space!
White space. As a writer, I know the importance of white space—the empty space in every document, like the margins and the space between the words, graphs, or pictures.
The wise use of this space can be vital to communicating the writer’s message. But a lack of white space makes the page look too busy, cluttered, and difficult to read. Yet too much white space can make the page look incomplete, as if missing some important elements.
White space of life. As I examine my use of my time and personal resources, I also notice the same important factors apply to the white space of my life. If I try to fill every minute of every day with activities or work, my life becomes too busy or preoccupied with unproductive distractions. But too much inactivity robs me of my self-worth and my credibility in many areas of life.
How can we determine how much white space to include in our documents? Never underestimate the power of revisions, editing, and writing tight. Consider the value of constructive criticism. And if you’ve discovered a good editor or proofreader, give thanks for this blessing.
How can we discern how much white space to allow in our own lives? Those who know us best and love us unconditionally may offer healthy opinions at times. But seek your advisor with extreme caution. And you may need to resist some unsolicited criticism that comes your way.
White space of grace. Never underestimate the power of grace as you consider the white space in your life. Jesus promised, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:12-13 NIV).
As I prayed for direction, I remembered another encouraging promise, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9 NIV).
I also recalled the story of another weak, tormented soul, who discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace? Like me, he begged God to take away his problems. But God responded with a powerful revelation, “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9 MSG)
Have I arrived at my goals? No. But I think I’m well on my way.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.(Phil. 3:12-14 NIV).
Have you discovered the white space of grace?
