Margin

Sabbath rest

Sabbath keeping instructed for a reason

Sabbath literally means ‘cease’

Exodus 31:17 “17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”

God’s example

Reminder that it is God’s blessing not our effort

Margin (Richard Swenson)

Margin

Margin (Richard Swenson): the space between our load and our limits.

Power

Skills

Energy

Time

Resources

Social supports

Load

Work

Obligations

Commitments

Expectations

Problems

Interpersonal conflicts

Burnout is the result of extended negative margin or overload.

Make room in your life

Two possible solutions to create margin:

Decrease load

Physical

Let go of some things

Eliminate unhealthy foods

Financial

Review spending habits

Trim unnecessary costs

Time

Limit social media

Eliminate time wasters

Emotional

Resolve conflicts

Heal emotional wounds

Increase power

Physical

Exercise

Eat healthy foods

Financial

Budget

Save a portion of your money

Time

Increase earning potential through education and skills development

Find efficiencies

Delegate

Emotional

Build strong relationships

Develop good support systems

Learn emotional management skills and strategies

Make room in your life

Luke 10:40–42 “40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

1 Kings 20:38–40 “38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face. 39 And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. 40 And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.”