Finding Balance: Embracing The Gift Of Margin
There are days that I feel I have a lot to give. More time, more energy, more acts of kindness, more smiles. Then there are days that I don’t. In fact, there are days I just want to stay in my home and hide if anyone rings my doorbell. I am going to ignore any texts and not open my email, thank you very much!!
I’ll bet you have days like those too…a less exaggerated version of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde?? Come on, admit it!
It got me thinking about how valuable and necessary this quirky little thing called margin is, and why it’s soooo important to have. You might be wondering what margin is, exactly, and why it’s so crucial to have it in our lives. Let’s dive into this a bit. Let’s start by getting a better definition of what margin is. Think of margin as the blank space around the edges of a document – it’s the space that allows the text to breathe. In our lives, margin is the space that allows us to breathe, reflect, and thrive.
Margin in Our Lives: The Quirky Blessing
The Bible actually has a lot to say about it, showing us it’s not just a quirky idea – it’s divine wisdom.
Here’s some examples of the Bible speaking about margin;
1. Rest and Rejuvenation: In the book of Psalms, we’re reminded in Psalm 23:2 that the Lord makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. This sounds like an invitation to rest, doesn’t it? Margin in our lives is like those green pastures and still waters – it’s where we find rest, rejuvenate, and recharge.
2. Creativity and Inspiration: Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a time for everything. Margin gives us time to explore our creativity and find inspiration. Without it, life can become a monotonous cycle of busyness, leaving no room for creative sparks to fly.
3. Nurturing Relationships: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community in Proverbs 27:17, stating that iron sharpens iron. Margin allows us to invest time in relationships and build meaningful connections, making our lives richer and more fulfilling.
So What Can Happen When We Don’t Have Margin?
1. Stress and Anxiety: Proverbs 12:25 reminds us that anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. When we overload our lives without any margin, stress and anxiety tend to take over.
2. Missed Opportunities: Ecclesiastes 9:10 advises us to do our work with all our might. But, if we’re always rushed and overcommitted, we might miss out on great opportunities that come our way.
3. Health Issues: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 speaks of our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit. Neglecting our health due to a lack of margin can lead to various health issues, making it hard to serve our divine purpose.
Here’s a few ways to develop margin in your life:
Embrace this quirky art of saying “no” when necessary. Really. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care.
Prioritize your well-being and ‘take a day off each week, what God calls honoring the Sabbath. It’s not a God power trip. He knows how we are fashioned, and we need to do to find that much-needed rest.
Make time for solitude and reflection. Even Jesus did this on a regular basis. He modeled this for us so well.
So to wrap it up, margin isn’t just a quirky notion – it’s biblical wisdom. It’s a space for rest, growth, creativity and connection. By incorporating margin into our lives, we can experience that abundant life that the Bible promises. So, if you feel so inclined, take a step back, breathe, and let margin work its magic in your life. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!!