Being fully present in today’s world can be trying to say the least. Socially, it feels as though we are pushed to the edge. Telling people why they are wrong takes precedence over inviting others to share their wisdom and knowledge. People are openly rude and demanding of one another over some of the most menial things, while others simple don’t have the space for anyone different from themselves. Is this how we’ve always been? It’s looking more and more that way.

It has long been known that closely confining livestock over time induces destructive behaviors on their part. Human overcrowding is subject to similar results. A number of recent studies have focused on people-per-room housing densities, applying them to various cultures. Overcrowding and lack of space resulted in various psychological concerns coming to light, particularly in adolescents. When space is at a premium, bad things happen more easily. Refugee camps, for example, are hardly expansive and inviting spaces in which to live, even for a brief period of time. Sadly, entire generations of people have known no other living space than the camps. The average time in a refugee camp is measured not in days or months but in years. How does one find space for nurture, meditation, and prayer? How can families hope to survive?

The art of allowing oneself space (and for others as well) can be life giving. Not every problem, concern, or bump in the road is solvable in the moment. Time and space can be allies to figuring things out if we choose. Word got around in ancient times of the miracles and signs that accompanied Jesus. It was natural that crowds would follow to see if the stories were true or if they or their families could be healed, if only by Jesus’ mere presence. It is nothing different from what we do today when charismatic leadership is suddenly recognized and thrust into the spotlight, intended or not.

The need for a break from the crowds was ever present. “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.” (Luke 4:42-43, NIV) Jesus knew that there was always more to be done beyond what was demanded of him. One can hardly blame the crowd for their enthusiasm. How many of us would respond in the same manner?

We have an advantage on these eastern high plains, a spaciousness unlike any other. There is room to breathe and think and draw conclusions with the backdrop of boundless horizons and good people. We, too, get caught up by the appearance of the great healer in scripture as we wait for a shaft of brilliant light and soulful answers from on high. We frequently forget that our creator equipped us with analytical minds that we are expected put into play more than we do. It was a frustration for Jesus regarding his disciple’s seeming inability to listen and learn as it is for the willful ignorance that is commonplace today.

Make space for yourself and for others. Release your concerns and allow God to speak to in multiple ways. You might be surprised at the number of venues where God is present.