“What are we arguing about again?” my husband asked. After some discussion, we came to the conclusion.
We were arguing because I was bored. Being bored makes me rather grumpy.
How about you?
Some of us Type A people believe relaxation involves a checklist. Doers tend to associate a full schedule with a full heart. When we see margin and have no way to fill it, we tend to get frustrated.
Being Glad for Gaps
My tendency to desire busyness and fullness is why it surprised me when I caught myself thinking recently that I was glad for some recent lacks in life.
- -For a season, I couldn’t find things to fill my checklist. That margin made room for some of the Bible Study and writing I treasure most.
- -There was a time when we didn’t know anyone nearby. Our open evenings gave space to connect with each other more…and to start inviting friends over.
- -Changing dynamics made me feel like I wasn’t as invested in anything. God gave the margin to invest in new people and ministries.
As hard as it can be when chapters end, doors close, and the heart longs for something more, what we gain is time to be filled, instead of always trying to fill.
Gaining Capacity
Susie Larson describes this in one of my favorite books, Your Sacred Yes. She shares about times of saying no, pulling back, and changing course…plus a part of obeying God many of us Type A people struggle with:
We feel like we should have full schedules, commitments, and plans- or else we’re wasting the time God has given us. But… Share on XWriting about time in her life when others suggested she should be filling more of her time with service activities, Susie Larson explains:
“Waiting and watching for the Lord, and then following His lead, became the most important and significant things I could do with my moments and days.”
Gaining the capacity of time and space in life to wait on and follow God’s lead may have looked like a lack of work and service ethic to others, but it was actually a blessing.
It is a shame to have a life so full, that there isn't space for new people and new opportunities…or for new things God wants to lead us into. Share on XWhat a blessing today to think of the friends, opportunities, and memories made because God gave me open time and empty spaces I didn’t think I wanted!
Is this something you struggle with too? How do you come to appreciate added capacity?
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