Ah, the 12” gap- everyone has one. I’m referring to the foot of space between your head and your heart. I was made aware of this early on in my walk with the Lord. I would memorize Scripture about my identity in Christ and fill my brain with head knowledge of God; I would lack in the application process, thus not believing in my heart what my brain was translating as truth. Can you relate?
The most prominent way this shows up in my life is when I convince myself I still have to earn God’s approval and forgiveness. I must complete this checklist of things in order to meet with him and enjoy His fellowship. I often find myself living under the Gospel of the Law, not the Gospel of Grace- “for it is by grace we have been saved, through faith…” Ephesians 2:8-9.
Today, I realized another facet of the 12” gap. I realized that my head is so far ahead of my heart. I’ve planned out in my brain how I’m going to end my current job well, how I’ll finish raising support, how I’ll pack up my stuff, go to training camp, spend time with family and friends, and leave on July 1st for the World Race. I’ve been talking about it for quite some time now.
But my heart is screaming, “WAIT! Do you realize that life as you know it will never be the same? You’re about to leave the country for an entire year. A whole YEAR! You won’t be able to hug Mom or Dad or Matt. You’ll miss Christmas. You won’t be able to process life with your roomies each night. You’re going to live out of a backpack. Say goodbye to your comfy bed and regular routines. You’re about to wreck your life.” This internal dialogue could clearly continue…
I drew a picture in my journal of the image in my head. It doesn’t quite do it justice, but you get the point.
So, how does a person bridge the gap?
Slow down.
Spend time with God.
Read His Word.
Be still.
Know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
Amidst the chaotic schedule, the packing and the goodbyes, I have to fight to slow down. I have to slow down to allow my heart to catch up with my head. I must allow the transaction from head knowledge to bridge the 12” gap to become heart knowledge. And that happens by taking time to spend with God and be in His Word.
How about you, are you minding the gap?
