Last week I sat down in a comfy reclining chair and looked out the window at a picture perfect nature preserve. The trees were budding, the soft music was playing. It felt like just a taste of heaven… until I heard the dentist drill revving up. Four novocain shots and a temporary crown later I was on my way back to the office. I could hardly move my tongue. If you called me on my cell you know why I didn’t answer. I didn’t walk away more rested. In fact in the end I was more tense (especially after every zing I felt on my tooth). I usually think I am too busy to take some down time. My to do list is just as long as yours. Sometimes I buy into the lie that says I can do more in 24 hours than Jack Bower. The antidote to busyness is MARGIN.
When we don’t have margin we have stress. Designers know the value of “White Space.” We fill up every square inch of the page because we think I have a little extra, why not cram more in. Most high end brands understand the importance of simplicity. We try to add just a little bit more… that is all that I need. Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” When we fill the void with more stuff we become more distracted, cluttered, and busy. What we are looking for is not another “thing” it is Him.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all about “Carpe Diem.” I want to get the most out of the moment. But to get the most out of life I must let there be room for white space.
The Bible promises that our Good Shepherd will “make us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still waters.” Get over the guilt of having some margin. He is ready to quench your spiritual thirst.
