Creating Space
Dear church family,
After living in the same house for 21 years and adding 4 children over the course, I constantly find myself wanting to purge because we have too much stuff. Too many books, too many dvds (Why do we still have these?)Too many you fill in the blank, I have too many of them. I just want things gone and I don’t want to go through them.
This space issue isn’t just in my house, if I am authentic and real, this is a reality in other aspects of my life. I am constantly finding myself wanting to purge things from my calendar, from my to-do list. I have too much ____________ (work, reading, etc).
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and so the Lenten Journey has begun. As part of this year’s Lenten Journey, we are invited to observe a Holy Lent and to be intentional about making space for God. This invitation slams up against the realities of my life.
Are these things (fasting, daily prayer or bible study) vital or important? Important enough to move them up the priority list when there is so much already there?
Simply, the answer is yes. Sometimes I need to see my spiritual disciplines in light of my physical disciplines… Henri Nouwen’s words really hit home with me as a runner and swimmer.
Here is his explanation of why these disciplines are vital:
"Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like wanting to run in the marathon without ever practicing. Discipline without discipleship is like always practicing for the marathon but never participating. It is important, however, to realize that discipline in the spiritual life is not the same as discipline in sports. Discipline in sports is the concentrated effort to master the body so that it can obey the mind better. Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God’s guidance.
Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God’s gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to.”
When we make space, God works on us.
Are you creating space for God? Why or Why not?
I hope you will make space these next 40 days to reconnect with God and one another. I hope you will make space to worship, read, reflect, and be with God and each other. And, I hope to see you this Sunday as we start our new sermon series, Fill My Cup, and celebrate Holy Communion together.
With gratitude,
Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor