“Return to rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” psalm 116:7
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I have a special Lisa Leonard Connected Hearts Gold Necklace & Live Beautifully Journal Giveaway today!
We’re celebrating finishing our Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest Book Club. Details below…
When you need rest and alone time with God, is it hard or easy? What holds you back?
When Hubby asked me out on our first date, it wasn’t what I expected.
I had a strong, but unsubstantiated suspicion he was interested in me as more than a friend. So, I daydreamed for weeks about our first date. A romantic night out in the city? Maybe tickets to a play or live music somehow?
Nope. He wanted to take me to the movies. Hmm… that seemed kinda ordinary.
In the afternoon. I was used to going out late at night.
Shouldn’t we have dinner before the show? We finished dinner early. A little past nine.
As I slipped into the passenger seat while Hubby held the door, I thought, Maybe he’ll take us on a leisurely stroll.
Nope. He said he had a great time and began to steer the conversation in the same direction our car was driving. Home. It was goodnight.
Standing in the elevator going up to my second floor apartment, I had to confront the possibility.
Maybe he doesn’t like me as much as I like him. This was the conclusion I drew, based on the stipulations I put on what constituted a “romantic” evening.
We often do the same thing when it comes to enjoying spiritual whitespace — spending 1-1 time with God.
We make up rules on what it means to have “quiet time” with Jesus.
I’d like to help rewrite some of those rules. Here is a list of stipulations that hold us back from whitespace — inspired by some conversation with friends at a party. See if you recognize any.
The Five Whitespace Killers
1. Time Minimum. I must spend X minutes with God in order for it to count.
2. Procrastination Disqualifier. If I’ve procrastinated x number of hours (days or weeks), God is already disappointed. I’m already in the whitespace doghouse.
3. White Glove Test. My house (or fill in the blank) needs to be cleaner and neater. How can I get spiritually in tune with God when my room is a mess.
4. Goal-Oriented Perfectionism. I must stick with “the plan” to prove my devotion to God. (fill in whatever Bible reading/prayer program to complete X timeframe)
5. Nostalgia. I’ve always done whitespace “this way”. To tailor time with God to meet my current life circumstances would not be beautiful or soul-changing.
When we put rules on how God can connect with us, we forget we are in a relationship with a God who woos and desires us.
And we miss out on the opportunities to enjoy refreshment with Jesus — during the times we need it most.
Our hearts were created for relationship. When we are vulnerable, our souls exhale.
Whitespace. We were created to enjoy it with God.
When we carry ourselves — as is — into His embrace, we find that Jesus simply welcomes us to come. He’ll take care of the rest.
The Five Whitespace Creators
Jesus wants to unshackle us from the rules that keep us from whitespace. Jesus offers these Five Whitespace Creators, freely so we can enjoy time with Him.
Here is a list of the creators I talk about in the book:
One is called Grace.
Two is Love.
Three is God’s Favor.
Number four are twins Hope and Joy.
Which leaves us with number five. Though small as a sesame seed, it might be missed. Jesus sees. Number five is Faith.
We often worry so much about how to reach God, we forget that God wants to reach us.
Rest is not a lifestyle. Rest is a living journey — a relationship — into our most vulnerable places. With Jesus.
~~~~~
I was so worried whether Hubby was attracted and really enjoying time with me — I focused on the wrong indicators.
We talked as two old friends reunited, filling in the pieces the other had missed throughout the years. We could sit and be quiet. Sip our coffee, without pressure to fill the space.
Conversation. That’s why Hubby planned the theaters for the afternoon, not the evening. He wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee together before the flick, to get to know me better.
Considerate. His thinking behind setting dinner up early. We could enjoy each other’s company without the pressure to have it go late into the night.
Gracious. He didn’t want to be pushy after taking so much of my day. He was afraid I’d say yes, because I was too polite to say no.
So, you see, I got it all wrong. He didn’t just tolerate spending time with me.
He was crazy about me.
God is crazy about us too.
What’s Your Spiritual Whitespace Drink?
So, what is it that your soul is craving — Creativity, Adventure, Community or Soul-care?
Here are the four Spiritual Whitespace Drinks I talk my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace:
Enjoy a Creative Cappuccino. Feed your soul with a delicious espresso of creative whitespace poured into the artistic you, etching artful patterns of rest onto your soul.
Enjoy an Adventure Latte. Feed your soul with a generous shot of God’s rest steamed with his presence, sweetened with your pick of adventure for added flavor.
Enjoy a Friendship Mocha. Feed your soul with a sweet treat of friendship is mixed in with soothing relational rest, topped with the whipped cream topping of an open heart.
Enjoy a Soul-Care Espresso. Feed your soul with a freshly ground espresso shot of intimate rest, hand-pulled by the heart of Jesus, just for you.
Give yourself permission to enjoy rest. Not because you have to — but because you want to. And God wants it for you too.
Move everything else to the side, so that you don’t neglect the deepest part of God’s heart: you and Him.
{Explore what rest looks like in your life. For more encouragement, get a copy of Finding Spiritual Whitespace.}
[Pull Up a Chair—Share]
Which Spiritual Whitespace Drink are you craving most today:
creativity cappuccino, adventure latte,
friendship mocha or soul-care espresso?
What’s holding you back?
Who can you share today’s encouragement with?
[God’s Word Croissant]
“Return to rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” psalm 116:7
Let’s Celebrate!
(2) Winners
Lisa Leonard Hearts Connected Necklace &
Live Beautifully Journal
TO ENTER
By Next Wednesday 5/20/15:
1) Write a blog post about: which of the four elements of spiritual whitespace is your soul craving the most today: creativity, adventure, community or soul care?
2) Link up your post by below and include my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace somewhere in your post and you’ll be entered to win A Gold Connected Hearts Necklace by Lisa Leonard PLUS the Live Beautifully Journal {U.S. residents only} Thanks to DaySpring for sponsoring!
3) If you don’t have a blog, share today’s post on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did and answer the prompt in your comment.
Extra entries: share today’s post on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know. Thanks for helping share SpritualWhitespace!
Please use the Beloved Brews button in your blog post so others can join in with us {click here to use this html code here}. When you link up your post, read & leave an encouraging comment on the post linked up just before yours. Thanks, kindreds!
Beloved Brew Link Up
Whole-hearted Writing. You & Jesus.
Welcome to our Beloved Brews weekly link-up! Pour out a little love with your words every Thursday {publish any day. link-up on Thursdays}.
Let’s swap some stories. Simply write a blog post from your heart about what God’s sharing with you this week and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? Share a comment. Visit thebonniegray.com to read the comments & share your voice too.
Optional: Today’s 5/13 Special Giveaway Writing prompt: which of the four elements of spiritual whitespace is your soul craving the most today: creativity, adventure, community or soul care?
Next Thursday’s 5/21 optional blog prompt: {what is God sharing with your heart} or {indecision}
Please use the Beloved Brews button in your blog post so others can join in with us {use this html code here}. When you link up your post, read & leave an encouraging comment on the post linked up just before yours. Thanks, kindreds!
13 Comments
[…] Five Whitespace Killers: What Holds You Back From Enjoying Time With God? […]
I shared your post on Facebook! Your book is a must read! Thank you for all you do!
Jamie
[…] at Beloved Brews, Thought-Provoking […]
What a great analogy with the first date. This is so true: “We make up rules on what it means to have “quiet time” with Jesus.” I appreciate how you’re helping us rewrite those rules. #1 is one of my biggies–thinking I need a certain amount of time or even a set time every day. While I do try to be consistent with it, it doesn’t have to be the same any two days in a row. God is amazing versatile and he knows my life activities even better than I do and wants to be involved in them all. Thanks for the encouragement today, Bonnie!
Bonnie,
I just loved reading your thoughts about your first date and our expectations can look so different from reality. There’s so much insight in this post to love — what our souls crave — I feel like God over the past two years has been gently showing me what my soul might crave — and it all begins with more of Him! Always a delight to read your beautiful thoughts here! xo
I crave friendship mocha. I have to admit close friendships are at a minimum. Because of my chronic illnesses, people are just too busy to visit. I long to have girlfriends to just sit and share. I have left an open door invite to my home, but not many takers. I’m praying for God to supply that need.
Hi Sheri!
Though I probably live too far to visit you, I am in Texas, we can share friendship and fellowship, if you are willing, online. This site is a blessing to me, I just found it. And know the pain of everyone being too busy to visit. Mtaltheide@gvtc.com if you want to be friends.
[…] & Bonnie Gray […]
I think i am craving a soul care espresso today,My heart has been all over the place and cranky with my family.I think i hold myself back with all the things i have to do .
I think I am craving all these lovely “drinks” in different ways and for diffferent reasons and one thing I have learned since reading your book last year as part of the launch team was that I can crave more than one thing and that is more than okay as long as God is the head!! How glorious!!
The Jesus white space time killer for me is physical pain. What I am realizing ids that besides doing all I can to avoid intense pain I need to proactively use the time with less pain as Jesus time. You have helped me to see that. Thank you Bonnie. My other blog talks about pain and chronic illness if any of your readers are interested. http://job6-3.blogspot.com/
Lisa,
I too dealt with intense idiopathic pain. So I asked and got an answer, 3 days before I was to take a two day drive ( which I knew would be impossible in a very small car) No Sugar 3 days. It was so clear, thought it was a
Joke. Am a nurse, so thought, what could I possible lose, trying. Had no sugar, or anything that turns directly to sugar, either. So meats and veggies except carrots, or potatoes. That is all. Salads, and meats. Vinegar and oil for dressing. Made the trip without pain, and the pain ( all over my body ) returned when I to what I was eating before. So now do have treats one day a week, and mostly have no pain. Sugar and foods that convert to sugar
Cause inflammation, a direct cause of pain in some people.
Hope this helps, it can’t hurt giving it a try.
Friendship! Never really had friends in my younger years, was painfully shy until I was eighteen, then married at 19. Worked long hours, mostly everyday, until the kids were born late in life. So didn’t fit in with young Moms, and older Moms’ kids were going off to college. Now we are empty nesters! Spend long days in the word, and praying for all who need it, have 100 contacts that get my encouragements everyday. No close friends though. So my relationship with Jesus is close and intimate. My husband has a couple close friends, he meets to share a meal and God’s word. We study the word, together, and apart, and we volunteer. Family all live faraway. Would live to move near family,.