There’s this scary idea that what’s most important about our lives will be captured by a “dash” on our tombstone … he/she was born in 1960/70/80 something, followed by the dash before the date of death. The real dilemma is, we all want to make our “dash” count, right?

Photo by Jo Naylor

But the “dash” is often more of a blur than a journey well-lived, isn’t it?

We often don’t allow for enough rest, relaxation and meaningful refueling in our lives—those sabbath rests that God has ordained for us from the beginning. After all, even God rested on the seventh day. Who are we to think we can keep going 24/7?

Over the years, I’ve tried to develop more margin into my life, but it’s still a work in progress. Even though I don’t know as much as I’d like to about creating and prioritizing margin, I do believe without a doubt, that without it, you and I will …

• Miss opportunities to engage with our kids.
• Miss opportunities to engage with our spouse.
• Miss opportunities to engage with and learn from God.
• Miss opportunities to share what we’ve been given from God and others.

Without margin, we will be existing or simply “surviving,” rather than really living or thriving.

I want to take this “Labor Day” (the name seems appropriate!) to really slow down and be with my family, be with my spouse, be with God, and soak up the experience of being known—living and loving well. For I know that’s a path away from a messy marriage!

How about you? Are you tired of being consumed with the hectic pace of your life?

In the days and weeks to come, I will be reading, researching and developing a plan to build more margin into my life. And I’ll be sharing what I learn with all of you in a later post. So stay tuned!

But I’d love to hear … what is one thing you do to build margin into your life?

Please share your ideas with all of us in the comments section below, because one way I want to build margin into my life is by learning to draw upon the help and accountability of others. Please be one of the first to get me going on this important journey!

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ Mark 6:31 (NIV)

NOBH

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