By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
What does creating white space in our lives mean? How can we remove the onslaught and clutter of text and graphics from our daily pages? Should we take a few moments to be free from our obligations and responsibilities? Enjoy a favorite pastime? Breathe fresh, uninterrupted air?
Good questions—but if we answer yes, might we be labeled lazy? We know what the Bible says about being lazy. Hint: not good.
Actually, the practice of creating margin or white space is biblically-based. Here are 20 verses that guide us to rest.
Creating white space doesn’t mean we’re lazy.
We take a break so we can be our best for others and while participating in activities that make a difference. An absence of someone clamoring for our immediate attention is an opportunity to add balance to our lives. If we don’t schedule regular white space, our lives resemble hamsters running on a wheel and getting nowhere. Physically exhausted. Mentally depleted. Spiritually drained.
I’ve been there and still fall into that trap. But this is what I’ve learned about the benefits of white space and how it helps us be more deliberate in our daily routines:
- Beautifying: We minimize tired bags under our eyes and a worn-out disposition to match.
- Creative: Our imaginations kick down the walls of opposition so we can engage in various art forms—dance, math, cooking, painting, writing, gardening, and the list goes on.
- Energetic: We’re ready to tackle the most difficult of important tasks.
- Focused: We can zoom in on an issue with problem-solving skills.
- Grace-filled: Our spiritual life allows us to love others and ourselves as God purposed.
- Happier: Laughter comes easier when the burdens of life are lifted.
- Healthier: Our bodies need time to repair and build up immunities. Taking care of ourselves results in a better quality of life.
- Inspired: We are motivated and motivate others to fulfill their God-given purpose.
- Optimistic: Our attitudes soar when our bodies and minds are at rest.
- Smarter: We can concentrate and use our brains as they were intended.
How do you create white space in your life?
Comments 12
This post is great, DiAnn. Like many people, I deliberate on how I can make the most of my time. How can I eke the most from every hour of every day? While “tuning out”, it is sometimes difficult to “shut things off” and I feel guilty taking that time. Yet, in retrospect, when I do take the time to relax, my mind is clearer and my anxiety less. And, I’ve often spent the time in prayer which helps my attitude, purpose, and joy. Thank you, DiAnn!
Thanks, Rebecca, I think we get tangled up in the performance game and fail to see that even God rested on the 7th day.
Thanks DiAnn
I needed to see this. I particularly liked the idea of getting sufficient sleep. I am lacking much, and will work on it. Sleep is essential: “He gives His beloved sleep.” When I am well rested, I am more capable to help others along the path.
Frances, I agree sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Too often, busy people discount it.
Thank you, DiAnn! I so needed to read this today.
Hi Katie, so glad to have helped! I needed it for me too. 🙂
So true, DiAnn. Without down time I am a wasted mess. I do identify with J.D.’s comment about “turtle time”. We don’t give enough importance to that white space time in our lives. Thanks for giving us the list.
Thanks, Barbara, I don’t think I’ll ever forget Turtle Time and Shell of Solitude.
Diann, I love the article! But where are the 20 verses?
Dana, thanks for pointing out the omission. The blog post has been updated with the intended hyperlink to those verses 🙂 Blessings – DiAnn
Being an introvert, like many writers, I have to make time for myself each day. Especially on those days when I’ve been interacting with lots of different people or handling everyone else’s emergencies. I call it “Turtle Time”, where I get away by myself (my workshop makes a great hideout) and I crawl into my own little “Shell of Solitude.” There I can invite God in to bring me rest, I decompress, and I have time to regenerate. After an hour or so of that, I’m ready to face the world again. My wife used to wonder why I would come home from work, peck her cheek, grunt a hello, and then go hide in my den for an hour. She came to realize she liked the fella who emerged from there much better.
J.D. – I love the imagery of Turtle Time so you can have your Shell of Solitude. I believe you have a devotion filled with godly-wisdom there! Thank you!