Blank Spaces.

I’m a huge e-calendar fan. It’s a somewhat newfound love; I just discovered the magic of it back when I began grad school.

And don’t get me wrong, I love a good paper calendar. But I lose interest in filling it out after the newness of my latest planner has worn off.

The other day I glanced at my calendar and saw so many empty spaces for the summer. If COVID-19 hadn’t happened, the spaces would have been filled with events for my graduate assistantship and classes and concerts and Bible studies.

Taking this forced step back hasn’t really been a step backwards; it’s been a step to the side. The space I used to occupy is fresh enough to still have my footprints visible, but I’m not sure if we’ll ever move back over into the places and spaces we inhabited before.

I’m not really someone that can sit still. I like for my hands to be busy which I’ve realized has led me to spend a lot of unnecessary time on my phone / social media during quarantine. Why can’t I be content with sitting still? Why doesn’t my mind want to focus on one task at a time?

Am I good multitasker? Yes, for the most part. Is it healthy for me? Personally, no.

When I’m trying to spend time with the Lord my mind automatically starts running a million directions. I need to call someone back. I need to look up something on Amazon. Pointless things that can be done later, yet that’s what I’m thinking about when I’m trying to solely focus on God.

I’m wondering if during this time the Lord has allowed my calendar to be cleaned out so maybe I’ll learn to take things a little bit slower. I hope I’m learning more of the unnecessary desire to rush through all my tasks each day, but most importantly I hope I’m seeing that there’s grace for my mistakes.

Now that I’ve graduated, there is nothing but blank spaces. But I view that as a gift to let the Lord mold my clean slate into what He wants it to be. I’m not afraid of the uncertainty of my future, rather I’m expectant of a good Father who always provides. He’s yet to let me down, and I’m learning to be patient in the waiting of whatever is next.

And it’s more than okay to take each step one at a time. In fact, the Lord commands us to not be anxious about tomorrow because today has enough worries of its own. I will take one step forward daily knowing the Lord is guiding my steps.

What unexpected blessings have you seen come from the blank spaces on your calendar? I would love to hear in the comments below!

xo,

msv