I like malls. 

As an extrovert, there’s something satisfying for me to be able to be in a space where I am still around other people and yet have a chance to be alone with my thoughts. There’s an energy that comes with walking past stores, kiosks, and restaurants brimming with people and yet, no one requires my attention. I rarely buy anything and sometimes don’t go into any stores at all, but the atmosphere gives me a comfortable space to think and process the past, present, and future. 

I’ve been drawn to malls in times where I’ve needed to make a big decision and had things to think through, after my Nana died while I was on a traveling ministry team and I had my host mom drive me there, and most recently I go there most Sundays after church to ease myself back from the ways my heart is filled by God through my church family to the cold realities of life.

I spend time in prayer and process with God, sorting through things that I don’t allow myself to pay any attention at other times. It will take different amounts of time each time for me to be ready to leave and once in a while I have to really motivate myself to leave because I otherwise I don’t think I’d ever feel ready. 

I think that everyone needs a space like this. A place where you can take the time you need to clear your head and talk with God and process the things that you’ve set aside for “when you have the time” (which if you don’t take the time, you won’t have it). 

Jesus took the time away to pray and do His business with God. He knew the importance of a clear mind in ministering to others and more importantly, a clear mind that was set on things above (Matthew 14:22-23, Mark 1:35, Mark 7:24, Luke 6:12-13, Luke 22:41)

Do you have a “God Space” you go to clear your mind and inquire of the Lord? If not, take some time to think about where that could be, How can you help encourage others to take their needed time in their spaces?