empty spaces

I looked up the word "Lent" in Wikipedia this morning. Here is what it says: Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the 40 day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. I think it's interesting that so many Christian churches don't observe Lent (even if Wikipedia assumes that we all do!). But many of us are so busy doing Christian things that we have lost the beauty and power of simple spiritual disciplines.

So I am trying to get back to those disciplines, and finding that they don't come naturally! Here is a little of what I'm learning: Fasting is not just about sacrifice, it is also about seeking. My temptation in giving up food is to fill up that space with something else. If I am not sitting down to eat lunch, I get busy doing laundry or cleaning the house. Until, in the middle of my third stack of folded clothes God gently speaks to me. Be still. Quiet yourself in my love. Listen.

Most of us are all about filling up empty spaces, aren't we? We don't just eat when we are hungry, we eat when we aren't full, or when we are bored, or when we are upset. When it is quiet, we turn on the tv or music. When we have a little bit of free time, we think of what we should be doing. Prayer for us is usually about talking, seldom about listening.

Isaiah 55:2 Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Empty spaces can become sacred opportunities. Instead of listening to the radio when driving, listen for the voice of GOD. Instead of filling up a 15 minute chunk of free time with one last little chore, leave it undone and sit outside and observe GOD in His creation. Sit quietly with your children and give them space to talk to you about whatever they want- it's amazing what comes out!! Let yourself be hungry for a while and recognize your humanity, your dependence on GOD. Best of all, when we leave empty spaces unfilled, our heart and soul are free to long for what they need most- the presence of GOD.