Embracing an Internal Margin…
Cumulative stressors—one stress piled upon another—had left me feeling exhausted and agitated when I decided to speak with a mental-health professional.
Sound familiar? Probably. For many people, cumulative stress has been at epic proportions since 2020.
During my first session, the therapist asked me to describe a typical day. I rattled off the plethora of activities involved in my normal daily routine. She paused and then said, “It doesn’t sound like you have much margin in your life.”
She then gave me an assignment to read Dr. Richard Swenson’s book, Margin. The book was an eye-opener and the most valuable recommendation in my few sessions of therapy. Published in 1992, Dr. Swenson said,
“Marginless is the disease of the new millennium; margin is its cure.”
As my attitude toward productivity began to realign, I was able to build at least a modicum of margin into my external world. It made a big difference.
Years progressed just as years are prone to do, and I became aware of an even more critical aspect of margin. I realized my soul craved the internal margin of stillness.
Psalm 46:10 became a life theme:
BE STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD! (emphasis mine)
Although I remain a person who enjoys being productive, increasingly I am learning the importance of BEING rather than always DOING. I’m also realizing, BEING often aids in the efficiency of my DOING.
Psalm 46 (from NIV) begins with this declaration: God is our refuge and strength…Therefore, we will not fear… (vv. 1 & 2) In the middle verse (7), the psalmist encourages an anxious nation, “The Lord Almighty is with us..” Then, in verse 10, it is God who speaks, saying “Be still and know…”
Great words, I believe, for not only our nation but for us individual citizens.
I hope this timeless reminder from ancient words of Scripture brings a measure of tranquility to your spirit this beautiful spring day.
