The Heart Behind Margin
By: Mary Capalbo
Through the years I’ve realized that I often believe the lie that time will wait for me. I plan out my days with no margin for error, and in the midst of it…even when I know that there is no way I can complete the tasks in the time I have left, I still try. It’s like I’m chasing after an imaginary sense of control that always eludes me.
What’s the result? An often discouraged spirit, an anxious heart, and those around me feeling like they are swept up in my impossible expectations.
Margin.
That’s something that the Lord has been placing on my heart.
One way that God revealed this need to me was through Hillary Scott’s Song, “Still.”
I believe that You are God alone
But sometimes I still try to take control
'Cause I get scared when I can't see the end
And all You want from me is to let go
You're parting waters, making a rain for me
You're moving mountains that I don't even see
You've answered my prayer before I even speak
All You need for me to be is still
Be Still…
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:10
Practicing margin starts with being still.
Even if all my plans are good and right, if they don’t start with me being still before the Lord, it’s often not long before they cause me to take my eyes off of Him. And it’s a spiral effect. Once a person doesn’t act or respond according to my plan, I find myself frantically trying to regain control. Once I realize that the traffic I’m sitting in will not only make me late, but will cause the next few appointments of the day to be delayed, my heart starts pounding. Once the truth sinks in that the growing items on my to-do-list will have to be pushed to tomorrow, discouragement and feelings of failure wash over me.
Can you relate?
Being still before the Lord is so important because it leads us to remember that HE is God, not us. When we are still before the Lord and listening for His still small voice, He will guide and direct us in the way we are to go…but not necessarily the way we planned to go.
Trusting when we can’t see
God is in the details and He is always moving. I love the line of Hillary Scott’s song that says, “You're moving mountains that I don't even see.”
It’s so easy to put our faith into what we can see, but what about the things that are hidden? What about having space to be grateful for God’s protection, for the way He provides for our needs, and for the ways He places opportunities throughout our day to share His love with others?
This is where margin comes in. Margin…that word that keeps popping up all around me. That practice that seems so healthy but also so unattainable in my own strength.
Why do we have to fight for margin?
Placing margin between your house chores, throughout your day at the office, and around the kids’ activities is so important, but also so hard in the culture we live in. Our identity is often wrapped up in how much we can get done and accomplish in one day. So many of us live for the thrill of making it “just in time,” or completing that “extra necessary task” in hopes that it will prove that we have total control, and we can do it all.
But let’s not kid ourselves here…that one day where it all worked out according to our plan is surrounded by 364 other days where it didn’t work out, and we miss out on so much. We miss out on an opportunity to connect with our neighbors, or a chance to look our child in the eyes while she’s telling a story, or taking an intentional moment to thank the cashier for being so friendly. When we are always thinking about what’s next, we miss out on what’s happening right now. And most importantly, who God has placed near us to love and encourage.
How can we practice margin?
Place moments of margin into your daily plans. Leave early for appointments, pickups, or work. Use the time in the car to connect with those driving with you, or to pray!
Take moments throughout your day to just stop what you are doing, and ask the Lord to be with you in that task.
Before trying to fit just one more errand into your day, ask yourself if it’s practical and necessary. If it ends up taking longer than you planned, will that be a discouragement to others?
Place reminders around you to be still and acknowledge that you aren’t God. Surrender your plans throughout the day, and be open for God to redirect you.
Make your plans with open hands. Rather than fighting against unmet expectations or changes, realize that they are literally moments where God is intervening to make room for His plan. Choose joy and look for ways that you can be a light for Him!
Fight against the lies that tell you that your worth is in what you accomplish. Remember that we did nothing to earn God’s forgive
ness and love, and there is nothing we can do to make Him love us more.
Give and receive grace. Remember that you can’t do it all, and allow for others to fall short as well. We are all in need of a Savior.
We are only on this earth for a little while. Let’s steward our time well by being still before the God of the universe, and practicing margin to help us remember that His plans are better than our own.