Make Space: begin with just one pause

This week, try beginning with just one small pause, a moment to clear a little room in your heart, your schedule, or even your table.

Light a candle before breakfast.
Set aside one thing that’s crowding your space or your mind.
Open a blank page and take a breath before you write or draw.

Lately, I’ve noticed how often I reach for my phone
when instead, I could simply pause. Breathe. Be present in the moment. It feels like such a cliché! I wish I could say I was past it. But the pull is real, and I’m learning to notice that moment before the reach to choose stillness instead.

This week I’ve been carrying some heavier things, so I’ve been extra gentle with myself and intentionally made more space for quiet art time and reflection. It’s helped more than I expected.

One thing I love about spiritual direction is how much it honors this kind of space-making. When you schedule time with a spiritual director, you’re making an appointment with someone else to help you make space for God.
And honestly? That’s often the only way it happens. It’s hard to do on your own, especially for a full hour.

But you don’t need an hour. Or a perfect setup. Sometimes, making space is just:

• turning down the noise

• setting down the phone

• asking God, “What do You want to grow here?”

Even a few quiet moments can change the shape of your day.

For Life with Little Ones (or Big Distractions):

Making space might look like:

• a few deep breaths while your child plays

• turning off music for one quiet car ride

• a short breath prayer as you fold the laundry

  • I remember a breath prayer I used a lot, especially when my kids were little: (inhale) Lord, lift up my head. (exhale) I can’t do this without you.

Even this can be enough.