we created white space

white space 9

I’m a little reluctant to write this post for two reasons. 1. I don’t fully feel like I created the white space I wanted to create in these 31 days, and 2. I am feeling very attached to this topic and I’m not quite ready to give it up.

What have I learned about white space and what that means in my life?

I know that a number on a scale and a size on a pair of jeans does not determine my value. Filling my closet to the max with clothes in order to make me feel better about the baby weight I hang on to steals my white space and my joy. It robs me of financial white space and physical white space.

I know that I was created in His image and that being clothed in strength and dignity is so much more important than what I wear.

I was able to clear out my closet and the bathroom cabinets and the toys to create more room for us and to remove the stress that comes with clutter.

We fully intend to do a bigger purge when we move into the house.

I know that I commit to things to please people and to make them happy. And in hopes that they’ll like me. I have commitments that I love and I feel valued there. And there are commitments that make me feel stressed and ignored. It becomes clear to me which commitments are hard on my family and which commitments don’t affect my family at all. I have a lot of work to do, still, in this area. But it’s time to cut back.

I know that I want my home to tell a story and I want the decor and treasures to be things that mean something to me. Not just store bought pieces to fill the space.

I know that I thrive in community and relationships are the most important thing to me. But in order for God to be able to move in those relationships, I have to create space in my heart and my mind to open myself up to people.

And I know that no matter how much space He is given, the Father is forgiving and merciful, and He is always there.

I don’t want to do it all. But I want all that I do to be done well.

So cutting back, focusing on my family, clearing my calendar and my space frees me up to be able to give my attention to my people and the projects that mean a lot to me.

What have you learned this month as we’ve gone down this road together?

This is Day 31 of 31 Days of Creating White Space.

You can read all of the other posts in this series here.

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Comments

  1. says

    Thank you for sharing this journey with us! I’ve learned to 1) always trust in the Lord and 2) sometimes it’s more than okay to say no to make more time for family and love

  2. Karen says

    I just wanted to tell you how much I loved this series. It’s topics like this that keep me reading blogs. Thank you for creating a space were women can come together to learn and grow!

  3. says

    So sad this series is over, as I’ve enjoyed it so, so much!!! Loving the things you’ve had to share over the last 31 days, Erin. If you have more to share on this topic, even though the series is over, please do! I think creating white space is something that is relevant to us all.

  4. says

    I read somewhere that it takes 40 days to establish a habit. So…no worries if you haven’t mastered this (re)claiming of white space yet! Keep practicing all of the above and you’ll keep enjoying success at it. Following this series has been a blessing for me, as we just moved, and with our third baby coming, I need white space more than ever myself. Be sure to share more white space moments as you learn them!!!

  5. says

    I have learned a lot of the same of what you have… I actually passed on a beach trip this weekend because I wanted more white space with my family! You posts were really thought provoking! Thank you for sharing!

  6. bisbee says

    I came into your series late…had to go back to see what you were talking about – “white space” and “margins”, etc.. I’m still not all that clear on it – frankly, it was too burdensome to read all of those posts at once. I did come away with one important thought…I think you are WAY too hard on yourself!

    Woman…you need to find a way to relax! You are overthinking everything! You have two very young children, you are building a house, you are a stay-at-home mother. CHILL!!! It’s not important to make every second “count”. You obviously love your children and husband, and you work hard to fulfill their needs. You are also a very religious woman…do you really think God would want you to get so worked up? You need more “white space” – I’m still not sure what that is – reduce the demands on your time and just do it!

    Maybe you have too much free time…what on earth do you think women do who are not able to stay home with their children? Do you think they don’t love their children and do the best for them? Enjoy the choices you have made…and relax!

  7. Melissa Hill says

    I loved the 31 day white space challenge! I looked forward to your posts each day. I’m like you and I pack the calendar and sometimes forget to make room for the white space. I deleted the FB app from my phone bc I knew that was one thing that took away white space from my life. I finally got over missing it on my phone and used that extra thirty minutes a day browsing on social media that i use to do and put that time towards a random trip to the playground with by toddler or playing kitchen with her in the playroom. Also,I’m learning to not over commit to volunteering and use that time to be more involved with my family. My little toddler will only be young for so long. I will continue to remember this series for years to come to remind me to make time for some white space always in my life!

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