Soul Clutter

"My soul isn't designed to be cluttered."

That quote is from Finding Spiritual Whitespace, which I am reading for the second time along with a group of women on the Facebook page of  Bonnie Gray, the author. I read her book right after it was released, but as I entered Chapter One for the second time, tears filled my eyes. The language, the words, the story resonated with my soul.

"What I need is...Soul Rest."

How do I take a soul rest? 

My soul consists of mind, will and emotions. My mind is full of concerns right now for friends and family members going through very serious issues. I've been on the phone for the past two days encouraging and praying and waiting for news with bated breath. 

I find myself craving long periods of solitude, but unable to settle in because of circumstances. I long to write and read and create, yet the rhythms of my life are not cooperating with my yearnings.

So I  use small increments of time to practice those things that fuel my soul. This morning found me with my Bible and journal, then my collage journal, building pages. There's a part of me that hated to leave the page unfinished, yet I knew when it was time to shower and get in the office, beginning another phase of my day.

Make room. 

Those two words tumble around in my head along with plans and responsibilities filling up my day tomorrow. 

"We can't make it happen."

But I know who can.

Un- rush me, Lord. 

You have a plan and I've never known you to be in a hurry. Even this morning my prayer was for you to sync me with your plans. 

I am ready to close my day now. Tonight I will lie down on this scripture that comes to mind:

"I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG