Downsizing to Make More Room for Jesus
When my fourth son left for college, my husband and I made the hard decision to downsize our home.
In many ways, our decision felt right for us.
Surprisingly, less square footage seemed to create more space for the things we truly loved.
However, my bedroom closet didn’t seem to get the memo about our less is more mantra – bursting at the seams and testing the outer limits of the bar on which every piece of clothing hung. Instead, it kept whispering, “You’ve got room for one more.” In response, I surgically rescued one item at a time from its overcrowded conditions only to make room for another piece of clothing.
My closet dilemma reminds me of the infamous innkeeper who refused the opportunity to host the birth of Jesus because his inn was at capacity. Reading this story 2000 years later, it is easy to openly judge the innkeeper for a misjudgment that resulted in Jesus being born in a manger amongst farm animals.
Yet, like the innkeeper, we often juggle others’ demands and wear our “no vacancy” sign as a badge of honor —until our neglected priorities knock on the door demanding more room.
As a Christian communicator, exceptional leadership abilities in our homes and communities
can thrust us centerstage while creating drama in our calendars and wreaking havoc on our well being. For many, our schedules hover at full, while our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical lives teeter on empty.
During the season in which we celebrate the resurrection of the author and finisher of our faith, I challenge you to let Jesus take the pen. Instead of penciling Him and His desires in, allow Him to reorder your agenda and priorities, so the main things have plenty of room.
My fellow Christian communicator friend, I pray you resist the urge to live life at capacity and proudly display your vacancy sign ready to welcome Jesus into every room, at any time, and in every season.
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
Reflection:
Are there areas of your life where you need to create more vacancy for Jesus and His desires for you? If you were to grant Jesus the pen to re-author your schedule, what adjustments do you believe He would make?
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Najah Drakes is a Work-Life Balance Strategist, Personal Development Coach, and Self Care Expert at Spark Her Blaze. As a burnout survivor, she helps ambitious professionals achieve success beyond their resumes by taking back control of their calendar, time, and peace. After over 20 years of working with multi-million dollar companies, Najah now uses her strategic and data analysis skills to help professionals harness the data of their lives to empower them to prioritize their well-being; systemize work, home, and life; and maximize peace, freedom, and time. She is a YouVersion (The Bible App) Partner and her Devotional, “It’s Time: 7 Time Management Strategies to Take Back Your Calendar, Reduce Overwhelm, and Flourish on Purpose has been completed by thousands. Najah has been married for almost 23 years. She and her husband are the proud parents of 5 amazing sons.
