By Rusty Sieck, Executive Pastor of Ministries
So many of us today are overwhelmed, over-committed, and overworked doing exactly what we thought we wanted to do with our lives. -Carey Nieuwhof
Everyone is looking for more time in their day, not sure how they can manage one more thing in the midst of an already overwhelming and taxing schedule. The unfortunate news is there is no more time in a day. We all have the exact same amount of time. We all have the same 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 24 hours in a day. No matter how hard we try or work at it, we will not be able to get more time. The problem, though, is not that we do not have enough time; it’s that we don’t have any margin in our lives. We have bought into a lifestyle that doesn’t know how to limit ourselves, to say no to good things to make room for the best things.
Margin is a concept that is critically important for us to understand. What is margin? Let’s define it simply as a spare amount or measure, allowed or given for contingencies in all aspects of our lives. If we are honest, many of us have zero margin in our lives. We spend more than we earn, we over-schedule our calendars, and we have a hard time saying no because we fear missing out on the next thing. This lifestyle that we lead without margin can lead to more stress and less time for the most important matters of life.
So, we all know that we need margin in our lives, but the million-dollar question is how to go about it.
It starts with an honest assessment of our lives. We must take the time to evaluate how we spend our time and our money. I know this is about as much fun as watching paint dry, but it is a critical step. We must begin to look at every area of our lives and create space in our finances and our schedules to allow room for the more important matters of life. What are those things? Well, that’s the beauty of it. It is up to you. You know what the most important aspects are for your life and your family. So, begin to carve out room for the most important things. That does mean you will have to say no to things that are not as important to make room for the most important things. Also, creating space in your finances and your schedule allows you to be able to handle the uncertainties of life when they arise. Margin allows us to be flexible in handling whatever circumstances come our way. So sit down and evaluate your budget and schedule and make whatever changes need to be made to create margin in your lives. It will not magically appear; it takes hard work and intentional effort to accomplish. But I know you are capable of doing this, and the benefit is a full and rewarding life. The amazing thing you will discover is that you have plenty of time; it’s just that you have been spending too much time on things that don’t matter for so long. Create some margin today and discover a new way of living.
