It’s currently 1:48 a.m. and I can’t sleep. Obviously. I’ve been awake for over two hours, tossing and turning and finally decided I’d had enough. This is unfortunately becoming a regular pattern, waking in the middle of the night. I don’t want to become one of those old women who wander around the house for hours while the rest of the family is sleeping, but if things don’t change soon, that’s exactly who I’ll be.
I’ve had lots of time to think lately, during these middle-of-the-night wake-up sessions. I’ve been reflecting on the past year and dreaming for the upcoming year. That type of thinking is my favorite. Setting goals and determining how to track them. I almost never follow through on all of them but it’s helpful for me to at least see where I am in life and move forward just a bit.
I also love to pick a word of the year. Generally, I pick a word and find a Scripture verse to go with it. Those things become sort of a mantra for me throughout the year. Something to work toward. Something to center my life around for the upcoming 365 days.
This year, though, I kept hearing a phrase over and over. The phrase comes from a popular Christmas carol, “Joy to the World.” The line “and ev’ry heart prepare Him room” stood out to me this season. I’m not even sure we actually sang “Joy to the World” at church in December but still. That phrase kept ringing in my head.
Make Room
Make Room
Make Room
Over and over, I felt the Lord asking me to make room this year.
You know, we always hear about the importance of leaving margin in your life for the unexpected. For people who may need your help. For rest and recuperation. I generally have a good bit of margin, even though our family is large. But thanks to my husband who takes over all soccer duties, I often have several nights a week where I’m home, cooking dinner, bathing children and tucking them into bed. It feels like a busy season but I know it could be a lot busier.
The problem is, even though I’m not pulled in a thousand different directions outside my home, my brain is always going a million miles an hour. And in order to stop the constant barrage of thoughts and mental load I carry, I pick up my phone and scroll. Or escape into a good book. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with either of those, I’m definitely not making the best use of my time. And I’m not “making room.”
Making room for more of Jesus.
Making room for fun with my children.
Making room for time with Peter.
Making room for friendships.
Making room for myself.
So this year, I want to “make room” for all of these things. I want to prioritize relationships and love Jesus and others well.
Make room – it seems so simple, but it’s definitely not easy.
Do you have a word or phrase of the year? I’d love to hear yours!