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Space.



There are actually some very brilliant things about space.  For one thing, it helps you determine where one word ends and another begins.  The whole hashtag revolution really can mess with you before you start to get the hang of it.  #amItheonlyone #mybrainhasahardtimecreatingspacewherethereisnospace

Another thing about space is it allows you time to process and transition while you are reading.  Do you ever look at a long paragraph and get overwhelmed even before you start reading it?  I prefer shorter paragraphs.  Maybe I don't follow all the rules with writing, but my hope is always that as I change tracks and train of thought, you're able to follow along.

Space is also infinite.  There are billions of stars and millions of miles in between them - even though they look so close to each other from here on Earth.  But it goes on forever.  When you sit on a summer night at stare up at the sky, you realize just how big the world really is and just how small you really are. 

Space is also helpful between siblings.  I think it's why they invented captain's chairs in vans and minivans.  When my brother and I were growing up, we had a conversion van and very often we had this conversation:  this is your space, and this is my space.  You stay in your space, and I'll stay in my space.  (Not that he ever listened - LOL)

There can be the perception that space can be uncomfortable.  Think about conversations.  Sometimes people will try to fill silence because it seems awkward.  Sometimes it's good to process, to think, to analyze, to transition, to discover, to dream.  It can be like the space in between paragraphs in a book.  Some space can also prevent you from a knee-jerk reaction.  We're human and we can jump to conclusions or allow our emotions to overrule logic in a situation. 

Space can give you time to think.  Really think.  It can give you perspective, it can give you hope, it can confirm something you already know or help you realize that maybe you were wrong about it. It gives you the chance to change your mind.  Take a step back, create some space between you and whatever or whoever. 


So in short, space can be good. 

This space here is on a farm.  It doesn't look like much now.  There, in fact, isn't much to even work with in this picture.  Usually on the other side of the fence (to the left) are cows.  On the right side of this space are horses. 

But I cannot wait to come back to this farm in the summer.  The owner of this property doesn't keep any animals in this space.  Likely in a few weeks, though, they will work the soil and plant seeds.  They will water them and take care of them.  The last two summers there have been tall and stunning sunflowers in this space.  SUNFLOWERS.  Giant, strong, beautiful sunflowers.  I wish I had a picture to show you (how many times had I driven by wishing I had my camera?!).  Y'all, I really hope that this year is no different.  I hope it's not too late to be able to show you the beauty that comes from this space.  How the sunflowers face the sun and follow it through the sky during the day...

So sometimes space is necessary.  It might feel awkward at first.  It might not look like much at first.  You might feel inclined to fill that space with just anything, but resist, until you've really had time to think about it.  Just try.  Because space allows for things to grow if only you plant the seeds and take care of it.