I'm yearning for ever-increasing white space, margins, and serenity.
Online.
Over time, I've become an avid blogger and reader of such. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to the ones that are designed sparse. Compelling open spaces that do nothing but invite me to come rest awhile. That give full permission for meaningful words to jump off the page, tugging at my heartstrings or challenging my mind. And wide open visual margins that invite beautiful photographs to effortlessly spring to life.
Without all the bells and whistles, flashing ads, and endless buttons and links and stuff on every square inch, I'm drawn to the true message that shines through unhindered. Nothing distracts me from catching a glimpse of her heart, her vision, her story, her humor, her insights, her truths. I move on from our little visit refreshed and renewed ... online time well spent.
The whole margins concept is nothing new ... I've been dipping into physician Richard Swenson's volumes for years. Because this is how I want to live, embracing meaningful pockets of solitude and rest, sanity and peace. I know that this is how I will stay healthy and whole in every way that matters. To grow in Christ-centered faith ... and deep awareness and appreciation of who this girl is in this season. And to have my soul's deep well refilled to overflowing. Often. With plenty of nurturing sustenance left over to share.
Swenson writes, 'To learn the grace of stillness in the midst of busyness is much-needed oxygen for exhausted people everywhere. Instead of being cheered on by the socially acceptable mantra 'more and more, faster and faster,' perhaps we can rediscover the sacred pace of Jesus.
Overload and hurry are not prerequisites for service but enemies of faith. Can we raise new signs such as 'Stop believing that chronic exhaustion is normal, that a listless spirit is inevitable, that burnout is piety'?'
P.S. You're probably noticing a bit of re-creation, an enlargement of white space, margins, and photo size right here and now ... a long-considered update that I hope you love as much as I do!
