The Blank Page

simplicity // 7
the Blank Page

The blank page? It can fill the writer with dread, let me tell you. And as a result, he (or she) can freeze in terror; or spew words across the void, until the void is no more.

Yet the blank page, the white sheet, the empty space, represents such promise. It is an invitation to speak. An opportunity to express something uniquely of who you are. A chance to tell your story, somehow. Without it, you would not be heard, and neither would I.

And while we’re not all writers, in a way, we are. For a start, few of us, today, will not send an e-mail. Each time you press ‘new message’, you are confronted with the blank page, and it is up to you to use it well; to consider what you will say, and to craft it with care, and with love. And if you’re really on fire, perhaps with artistry, and precision, and quality, too.

As for writing, so, too, for life: today itself is a blank page, offered. We may, in our fear of blankness, already (months before!) have scrawled meetings and appointments all over this virgin day. Even so, try to notice the white space in between the activity. Look for the gaps, for they may contain the real substance.

And if you don’t have too much to do today, why not contemplate the blankness itself? Listen to what’s happening around you. Notice what unfolds. And touch the world with your presence only when you’re ready - in such a way that it demonstrates care, and love. (And if you’re really on fire: artistry, and precision, and quality, too...)

“Let your words be few,” suggests the writer of Ecclesiastes. “He who holds his tongue is wise,” says the ancient proverb. Choose your words carefully, says I, who’ll stop, now, to wonder (finally) what it must have been like on that first day, when God, who saw the Earth formless and empty, spoke words, and life, into being, saying “Let there be light,” and creation began.

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action point:

Before you respond to an e-mail today, spend a few minutes contemplating the blank page onto which you will write. Think about the person you are writing to. Think of how you will make your presence felt. Think of how many words you need to use. And proceed, finally, with greater love and care than usual.

Even better, if you’re not writing any e-mails, why not resolve to write a letter to someone today. But before you write on the page, contemplate the blankness, and notice your reaction to it. Give yourself some time to really feel the blankness of the page, if you can, and all its potential.

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rsvp:

“The Keepsake? My grandfather’s dog tag from WW1 when he was in the Royal Army Medical Corp - a man of principle, not willing to fight but to try and mend broken bodies and souls. I still miss his guidance...” Jane

“You're right - I couldn't think of anything in my flat I'd feel the need to rescue, except my husband. But when you mentioned your reshaped penny, I remembered my 'special box' which I hadn't thought about in months. I looked through it this evening and it turns out almost everything in it is a letter or a card from someone. There's a card from my mum saying she's proud of me (something she'd never say out loud). A card from a friend saying things are going to be alright. A letter telling me I'd done a good job. The first card my husband sent me. That's what I'd rescue. I know I'd still have all those relationships, but sometimes I need something physical that reminds me what we've walked together, & that I've been loved...” Jenny

“I made myself sit and do a virtual walk round all the rooms of the house - picking up the things that I would want to save if I had to get out of the house forever. I thought the list would be really long, but what surprised me was how little I would take: the usual photos, family jewellery and this little cup from Lisbon, bought in a tiny shop with our last few coins on a precious shopping trip with my late mum. The cup has been tucked in a display cabinet, very safe and never looked at. What a waste! And all the expensive stuff - leave it behind, it means nothing!” Andree

“Much harder today as my thoughts were interrupted and saddened by the thousands in Japan who no longer have shelter, breath or life... But, some successes: I have deleted unhelpful 'favourites' from my PC and laptop, I have been much more consciously positive in my interpersonal relationships and am still making significantly more time for contemplation and reflection in each day. The latter two are beginning to feel as though they may become habitual - here's hoping...

“...And strangely, although I am taking more time out to be with people and to find personal stillness, there seems to be more time in my day. I have begun tasks I 'haven't yet had time for', and completed small challenges I have set myself. All this and I feel far less stressed.” Paula

“One thing I treasure most is the gift of a mock silver, moulded angel, with the inscription on the wings, ‘God Bless Grandmothers’, given to me by my granddaughter one Christmas. It conjures that wonderful warmth of unconditional deep love for a child that completely embraces one’s soul... This awesome love that I have for her - a feeling that my heart will explode - must be only a portion of the love that God has for us. It is mind-blowing.” Sue

“The last 12 months have been tough, I’m staying at my mum's with just a few clothes, toiletries, lap-top and phone. I haven't really missed any of my possessions, even the sentimental ones, which I find quite strange. So your question is easier for me to answer. I would take my glasses so I can see the people and world around me and my phone so I can speak to the ones I love. I am finding that one of the good things that God has given me is a caring nature for others and that seems more important than all the things I own.” Kirsty

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May you speak with care, and write with joy, and act in love, today.
Go well!

Brian