Your sixteen year old just got her license? Could she call me before she leaves your driveway? I want a fifteen minutes head start! This seems a reasonable request to me.
Have you seen the driver who cuts in line at the exit ramp, initiating a sudden string of red brake lights? I used to be him. I have reformed. Having taken the dive on multiple occasions for open shoulder space from farther back in the pack, I’ve learned to arrive a bit more patiently. I see gaps between vehicles while in traffic as protective cushions now where before they were opportunities to get ahead.
Road warriors are not the only ones in need of margin in their lives. You and I have this need in more areas than we commonly acknowledge. The life without space on the edge of the page is headed for trouble. The day will arrive when you have no room to scrawl yourself a needed reminder. There will be no space for a note of caution and then things will go badly for lack of the assistance found in a few needed words. On that day you will know what I meant here.
Allow me to point out one quarter where we must maintain a little wiggle room in our schedules. Let’s call it Christian service. If you routinely find no time in your schedule for service to God and others, you are way short on margin. Your life may be lived in the fast lane, but constantly over-revving that engine will lead to a major repair bill later.
Instead of wearing yourself out prematurely and becoming driven, selfish and course, you could set aside time, energy and focus for the needs of those around you. You could listen for the voice of God as He leads you into compassionate responses that heal others and soften your core. For you over-wound and over committed types among us, just this thought: preserving service margin may just be the godliest exertion you pursue. This is one place where a step or two back from the edge would provide a welcome and wholesome cushion.
Keep a little to the side. As a matter of fact, you will need some reserve soon. And having a ready reserve will feel great!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 19, 2009
About Me
- Tim G.
- Born in Topeka, Kansas and having grown up in eastern Kansas (Lawrence, Desoto, Pittsburg, and Topeka), I am originally native to the area. Once living in Kansas, I have lived in each of the following states as well: Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and California. My wife and I have two married daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren. Gray hair is earned, not given out. (No cats, dogs, parrots, mice, bugs or alligators, but lots of frogs.) One of the best things about being a parent is that you learn a lot about The Father and His love for His children.
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