## God in the Quiet Spaces You might recall those long road trips before smartphones, when boredom was a constant companion. Imagine yourself in the rear-facing seat of an old station wagon, traveling across states. With nothing but a notebook, a pen, and the endless road behind you, you start counting mile markers, timing the distance between them, and trying to calculate speed. It was a monotonous task, yet in that boredom, a curious child discovered rudimentary algebra. This wasn't a planned educational moment; it was born out of an empty space in time, a necessity to "make your own fun." And for some reason, that experience, more than any video game or TV show, still stands out as a vivid memory. This simple childhood memory holds a profound truth for our spiritual journeys. Often, we view idle time—moments of boredom, long commutes, or forced pauses—as something to avoid or quickly fill. Yet, it is precisely in these seemingly unproductive periods that God often draws near. Think of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were simply commuting home, no doubt expecting a mundane walk, rehashing the week's events. But in that unhurried, open space, a stranger joined them, engaging in a multi-hour conversation, opening the scriptures, and eventually revealing Himself in the breaking of bread. Their busyness paused, their defenses lowered, and they became "uniquely available" to an encounter they never anticipated. Just as the libraries of today offer a slower pace and an invitation to serendipity, and just as Ignatius of Loyola's forced bed rest led him from romance novels to a profound spiritual calling, God often uses our "backseat moments" to get our attention. When we are not in the driver's seat, making all the choices and rushing to the next task, we create space for the Spirit to move. **Next Step:**

How might you intentionally carve out moments of "boredom" or open availability this week? Can you resist the urge to immediately reach for your phone during a commute, a waiting period, or a quiet evening? Instead of always charging through life, try "wandering through it" occasionally—like browsing library shelves or strolling through the woods—open to what unexpected connections or insights God might offer. **Prayer:**

Heavenly Father, help us to embrace the quiet, unscripted moments of our lives. Slow our hearts and open our eyes to Your presence in the ordinary, the idle, and the unexpected. May we be available to Your grace, always practicing resurrection by tuning in to You. Amen.