Respecting the margins, can earn us some much needed clear space.
When I was a kid, and learning to write, I remember my teachers being downright fanatical about writing in the margins. There was a clear red line on both sides of the page. One teacher even had us hold our papers up to the light to see the line on the other side of the page. We were taught that under no uncertain circumstances, were we to write in the margins.
The margins were the place where the teacher could write her comments or make her corrections. They also just helped to keep everything a little neater. And believe me, with my handwriting, every little bit helped.
Even word processing software, has built-in margins. The program automatically knows when to start on the next line. The margins are kept clear.
Kids these days, don’t give much thought to the margins. They often will write all over them, leaving themselves no clear space and no room for correction.
I wonder if it’s somehow a reflection that comes from the fact that they are often overscheduled and have very little clear space of their own.
We all need some clear space in our day, space to breathe, space to pray, space to exercise our bodies and our minds, space that allows us to have some quiet time.
But, when we live to please others, feeling guilty for saying no, we can find ourselves with zero clear space. We can find ourselves with scheduled activity from the minute we wake up, until the minute we fall back into bed. We can find our reserves completely empty, yet we can’t understand why we are so exhausted.
When we change our focus from what others think about us or what they might say about us, to what God thinks about us, the clear space can change dramatically.
When we come to understand that clear space isn’t a luxury, but a necessity in our walk with Jesus, we can shift our priorities, and saying no, becomes a type of obedience.
Those of us who call ourselves Christians, have an enemy who would love to steal our peace and even though he knows he can’t have our souls, he’s also content to stunt our growth. If we can’t spend regular time in prayer and reading the Bible, how can we grow our faith?
If we leave ourselves zero clear space, how can we have time to spend with God?
The world is not a peaceful place at the moment. Turning on the news for five minutes, can make your stomach hurt. But, the peace that Jesus offers is different because it’s supernatural. It’s not of this world. It’s for our souls.
Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 15:27
Sounds pretty good. Right?
We can have that peace, but we have to be willing to provide the clear space to get it.
A sheet of paper reminded me. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂