Lead WellSample

The Space Between Us

Did you know that the vast majority of an atom is empty space? Between the electrons, protons, neutrons, and countless subatomic particles, there is a whole lot of nothing. And if atoms make up everything, then everything is full of empty space. In fact, there is a lot more nothing in the universe than there is something. The entire universe is held together in an invisible tension of unfilled space.

And yet, when it comes to my day-to-day life, I like to try and fill it with as much something as I possibly can.

“Can you meet to talk?”

Yes.

“Can you help with this project?”

Yes.

“Would you be able teach this weekend?”

Yes.

“I have a game this Friday.”

I’ll be there.

The empty-fullness of an atom should be telling us something. The atom needs the empty space. If the empty space weren’t there, then every particle would collapse in on the others. If you remove all of the empty space between all of the particles that make up you and me and the table and the car outside and the dog barking in the neighbor's yard and the lamp on the table and everything, you could fit the entire universe into a single, incredibly dense tablespoon.

I don’t know about you, but that sounds too crowded to me.

The beauty and wonder of the universe is detailed by empty space, and a life that is beautiful and wonder-filled, is also detailed by empty space.

When God created the universe, He worked for six days, and rested on the seventh. He wove the rhythm of Sabbath into the fabric of the universe. He created space.

And then, we try to fill every gap. Tolkien said it best (via Bilbo Baggins), we try to be like, “too little butter spread over too much bread.” It is no accident that one of the Ten Commandments is to REMEMBER the Sabbath, and to keep it HOLY. Stop priding yourself on a full calendar, take a step back and recognize your need for space. After all, if you break any of the other nine commandments, you would be disqualified from serving in the ministry. Why is it okay to ignore the Sabbath commandment?

It’s not.

The whole universe would collapse in on itself if it weren’t for all of the empty space. If you want to keep your life from collapsing in on itself, then you need to create some empty space.

Make some space. Take a day. Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy.

1. THINK ABOUT IT When was the last time you took a full day off, including not responding to work/ministry related texts, emails, and phone calls?

2. REFLECT How can you start to restructure your life to include more space?

3. PRAY Today, set aside a block of time to sit quietly and listen to the voice of the Spirit.