Two Spaces

I found a book on my bookshelf ("The Power of Pause, Becoming More by Doing Less") that I have no idea where it came from. Since I was looking for something to read I picked up this book by Terry Hershey and have found it thought-provoking.

He talks about us having two spaces. One is our productivity space where we are doing everything and often getting rewarded for it. The second one is our quiet space for contemplation and renewal.

He calls the second space our "Sabbath space."

Both spaces are important, but some of us might be drawn to one more than the other. It is so easy to either skip the contemplation space, or allow distractions to enter into it. As well, the productivity space can become overwhelming and empty, if not fueled by the grace that comes from the second.

Another danger we need to be careful about, is the idea that we are wasting our time, doing nothing, in the Sabbath space. Nothing could be further from the truth, but depending on how we are programmed, we can be tempted to not fully embrace it as we ought, because we might feel we are being unproductive with our time.

I like that Hershey names these two realities that are part of our humanity. In doing so, we become more aware of them, protecting ourselves from giving primacy to one over the other. Learning to integrate them and not abuse either allows us to grow spiritually and more fully, interiorly.

Have you ever struggled with balance in your life? Do you prefer the productivity space, or the contemplative space? Why?

Ask God for the grace (and space) for you to accept where he calls you to be today, and rest there, confident in his love and wisdom.

Happy Third Week of Advent!

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
Follow me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/