The older I get, the more claustrophobic I become. I’m not sure why.

But it’s not only physically that I need more space, but my soul demands it. Do you find that too?

Maybe being cooped up during the pandemic and the isolation it caused has affected this need to create space.

This passage from Isaiah is about the restoration of Israel: This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in. Isaiah 49:20 (NIV)

Creating space is all about restoration too.

How Your Space Can Shrink

From time to time, our world can become smaller and smaller. If you are a person who is not only caring for your family but caring for aging parents, you know how much time and attention is needed.

If you are stuck on the rat wheel of working, eating, sleeping, working, and repeating, you may not be allowing any space to breathe and be.

This lack of space can make you feel trapped. That leads to stress and even depression.

A research study from Harvard Medical School sited that spending just 20-30 minutes three times a week in nature can help improve your mental state.

How God Answered My Prayer By Creating Space for Me

Almost every morning I pray to God through my journal. A few Sundays ago I wrote: I feel isolated. My world is becoming smaller and smaller. I need space – wide open space.

Right after writing, I took our dog Loki for a walk. After our walk, I recorded what I call a moment of grace. It wasn’t until a few days later that I realized God had answered my prayer immediately.

We went for a little walk and got caught in the rain.

It started very soft with scattered rain drops making spots on the pavement.

I breathed in the sweet rain perfume.

It reminded me of another time and place – perhaps on our many travels.

It didn’t matter that I couldn’t remember. The feeling was familiar and comforting.

Soon the spots on the sidewalk began to fill in and I put up my umbrella.

Though the rain came down faster, it was still gentle and soothing.

There wasn’t another car or person on the walk.

Loki and I had what felt like the entire world to ourselves.

It was a cleansing rain – washing away all concerns or time constraints.

We turned around and made our way back home.

The rain remained gentle but consistent.

A New York Times paper sat on the edge of a lawn. It would be a long walk in the rain to retrieve it.

Loki and I stopped and took it to the front porch right next to the door.

A little act of kindness.

Thank you, Lord, for the sunshine and the rain – and the quiet walk with you.

The anthem the choir sang at church was God is our Refuge and Strength.

One of the chorus verses was: He is the rain. We are the stones. He will cleanse us.

Perfect

May you find an opportunity to create space to nurture your body and soul and to allow a moment of God’s grace to break through.

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