Claiming Whitespace: How a Busy Mom Connects With Jesus

I wish I had a bedroom like this...or better yet, like my friend Leah's. It's beautiful. Spa-like. She has popped in just enough burlap and wood to make me feel like I am in a cozy lakeside B&B ...or spread of a design magazine. 

I feel calm just peeking in long enough to pull a curious toddler back into the living room during a busy play date...

Wouldn't this be a great place to meet Jesus for some quiet one-on-one time?

But the reality for me, and I suspect many other moms, is that life is more hectic than this space. Just taking today as an example, I have laundry that needs to be folded and put away while a little one tugs on my arm to play Fireman Mom and rescue a pretend kitty from a tree. Floors are sticky from the baby throwing her breakfast on the floor, bills need to be paid...

I used to feel guilty for days that ran like this. For not having serene moments where I meet Jesus. You know those moments? I read about them. I ask myself where I can get me some o' that peace?  

But I woke up late today. I quickly read my devotional and said a few short prayers throughout the day. But I long for true quiet time with Him. 

With no distractions. 

Without multi-tasking. 

Still, today I give myself some grace. My whitespace, or my alone time with Jesus, comes in a different form during this season of my life. 

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:13 (ESV)

I love all the blessings God has given this wife and mom of two under the age of four. I don't want to miss a second of this life He has given me. So this post isn't about how hard life is. Just the opposite. It is about Him. Craving Him. 

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

1 Peter 2:2

For now, my connection with Him - that rejuvenation I long to claim, comes in the moments when I am not still. It is usually while I am on my knees...not praying...scrubbing. 

When I am folding tiny shirts and pants. 

When I have a moment to lay quiet on my bed while the girls nap. 

In those moments, He feeds my tired self with hope. With excitement and gratitude. I hear Him. I pray. I let my mind wander and make note of scripture I want to look up later, or ideas for a blog that He has inspired, such as this one. 

God, thank you for all the ways You use our days to draw us to You. We praise You for dwelling within us. Help us to quieten our hearts so we can hear your soft, still voice and be blessed. 

In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

Call to Action: Create your own white space, your meeting time with Jesus. Listen to what He has to say to your heart. Journal it, be inspired by it and meet Him there often to receive His blessings. 

Your space may be walking through the woods, in a quiet chair in your house, in a coffee shop. What does your white space look like? Do you think it will change as you go through other seasons of life?

Blessings, Michelle

Additional Scripture
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

I am linking up today in Faith Barista's Faith Jam!