Margin

I was listening to the radio the other day, and a local preacher was talking about "margin." It was very interesting. I think it applies to us all.

I've recently started working for a small business and we are still trying to adjust as a family to the time I spend away. Almost every week-night I have something to do, or somewhere to be. And, Matt has things during the week also that he enjoys doing or is required to do for his work. Then it seems that Saturday is catch-up day on household chores or busy getting ready for church on Sunday. Then Sunday is busy with church and trying to get everyone ready for another week. I'm sure most of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Our family has also budgets allowing us to save money and live more "frugally" (I like that better than cheap!) Budgeting takes some time and planning, but Matt and I agree that we want to do this together. We plan and think about our budget often and are always trying to find ways to save (we treat it like a game.) We've been trying to have "margin" in our financial lives.

This Pastor the other day made me look at other aspects of our lives too. It is important to have margin in EVERY part of your life. He said to have margin in your work day, and also after work to share with family and also financially. I thought about the pace of this world, and how hard it is to slow down (or have margin) with email, cell phones, TV's & and endless to-do list. So, our family is going to create a little "margin" time. It may be a night without TV or cell phones or computers. Maybe even a WHOLE DAY! Maybe its time to look at weekends - especially Sundays - as a time to recharge, not catch up - as a time to reconnect with loved ones - as time to experience all that God has provided us to enjoy - yes, time to smell the roses!

I hope you find time this day, week, year, lifetime to make a little margin in your life!
Janelle