creating space

Last week I spent most of my time doing something rather mundane, but necessary. My home office is now really transitioning to a work office, and I need to get better organized. I got a book at the library on organizing your office (Order From Chaos... that pretty much summarizes what I need!), and I'm following it's direction.

The first thing the author of this book tells you is that you have to create empty space in your office. Space on your desk. Space in your file drawers.

I know she's right, of course. Part of my problem has been that my files are full, so where do the new things that need to be filed go? On my desk, on the floor, on the dining room table... And the more piles there are, the more inefficient I become (HOW long do I spend looking for things in those piles?) and the more stressed out I get.

SO... last week I spent alot of time cleaning out files. Not too exciting, but absolutely necessary if my work space is going to be efficient. And now - ta da! - I have 3 empty file drawers and a fairly clean desk... just waiting for the items from the dining room table to be filed! I have to admit, empty space gives me a good feeling.

Empty space... Hmmmm.... I don't just need it on my desk or in my filing cabinets. I need it in my life, too. Otherwise I become stressed and inefficient.

God knows this. That's why He gives us a gift called "The Sabbath"... He invites us to a whole day of "space" (or rest) each week. I find so few people opening this gift of Sabbath in our 24 - 7 world. Maybe that explains road rage! Hey - is there something called "office rage"??? I have to tell you --- I deal better with "office rage" after I've taken my empty space day (otherwise known as the Sabbath!).