White Space

Several years ago, a speaker said something that has continually rattled around in my head and heart--especially each time I approach the family calendar.

She said, "What if we could take a peek at God's day-timer? What if we snuck in His office, crept around His desk and looked at His calendar for us? What would be on His calendar for my day?"

She definitely had my interest, but then she added something that really took my breath away...

"What wouldn't be on His calendar for me today? Of all the things that I have on my calendar, what are the things that God doesn't have on His?"

For a "doer", that's a very challenging question. I'm challenged to leave space in my life--space to meditate, rest, think, laugh and play. I have trouble with that. I tend toward overscheduling and driveness which can drive both myself and my family CRAZY. In addition to making time for worship, our family has decided we need to make some time for family fun.

On the way to the beach (I can't wait to share new family pics with you!), our family made a little list of the fun things that we want to do over Christmas. In addition to leaving "white space" on the calendar for rest, we want to include some "want-to-dos" as well as the "should-dos" on the calendar.

Our "want-to-dos" include:

• Finding the best, over-the-top yard lighting displays in Wake Co.
• Going to hear The Messiah at Duke Chapel
• Checking out the new outdoor ice-skating rink in downtown Raleigh. How is this even possible?!
• Watching "Elf"

It's terrible in a way to have to schedule fun during December, but I know how the calendar can fill up before we know it. What kind of fun do you want to schedule during Christmas?

For more thoughts on Christmas, don't miss my friend Karen Ehman's 12 Days of Christmas posts. I've got a giveaway there today!