21 Ways To Thrive By 45Sample

Make Margin

We tell ourselves (our heart and soul) life will slow down. After the holidays. After our kids are out of school. After we finish a big project at work. We assume at some point we’ll schedule some time to breathe. Sip green tea in our favorite mug. We make big plans to snuggle up on our cozy couch and stare out the window. Yet, life has a way of convincing us everything is urgent. Everything is important RIGHT NOW. We stuff as much good stuff as possible into our day along with all the stuff we have to do. You know, like listen to the boss, feed the kids and bathe. Our day planner looks like we’re planning all the things. Because we are.

While there are seasons that are busier than others, it’s necessary to make margin in our lives. We can’t run on empty. We have to stop. Regroup. Breathe. Sleep well. Even say no to good things to make room for the great things. In our margin, our time that’s unplanned, it’s possible to fit in some self-care. Making margin recognizes that we have limits. We’re not all capable, all awesome, all the time. We’re finite women with a need for boundaries to keep our lives in check. While the idea of balance may be impossible in a graceful harmony we connect with Christ, with our family, others, our work, and ourselves. Whatever that looks like now is the time to find out.

Too many of us are so busy taking care of everyone and everything else but ourselves. It’s in the margins we walk in the peace God gives. It’s in the margins we refuel for the days ahead. For me, self-care looks like tucking into a good book. It’s my pleasure. It doesn’t accomplish anything on paper. It’s just good for the soul. Life isn’t about what we produce but who we become. The margins make room for growth, for breath, for life.

Our souls, our hearts, and our strength thrive when we refuse to fill up every inch of our days and months. When others peek into our lives, they will see rest and labor in harmony with the King. As we follow after Jesus, we give up running our world. We seek him for our next steps, our calendar commitments, and our rest.