Giving God Space – by Eileen Padmore
What do we mean when we say we need more space? I have been telling myself for years that I’ll write when I get more of it: when I can arrange for others to have less demand on my time, when I can settle my conscience around doing ‘nothing’, when I can allow myself to stand, stare, reflect, feel, listen. Susanna Wesley, mother of Charles and John, had nineteen children, ten of whom died. Beset by poverty, with a preacher husband who couldn’t manage money and even spent time in a debtor’s prison, she would signal her need for 'space' by putting her apron over her head whilst she prayed. One result of her God attuned life was the upbringing of two sons who spearheaded a revival that changed the course of history. So why do I persist in making excuses about finding the right conditions? Recently, during a time of personal reflection with my local christian community, we were given an empty red road sign triangle as an aid to considering what work ...