Margin

I just finished Everybody, Always by Bob Goff. Great book! He is an incredible story teller and recounts amazing adventures. The entire book boils down to one truth…love everybody, always.

Sounds simple, but then again, I know a few difficult people. A few people it might be difficult to love…always.

And then there’s the whole time issue. Who has time to love everybody, always? Bob lists his phone number on the back of his New York Times Best Selling Book in case you ever want to get in touch with him. He’s available. It’s part of the love everybody, always thing.

Pretty convicting.

Instinctively, my mind raced to the Veggie Tales movie my kids use to watch portraying the story of the Good Samaritan. Either Bob the Tomato or Larry the Cucumber (I can’t remember which) plays the part of the man beaten, robbed and left half-dead by the side of the road. The other vegetables play the role of the Priest and the Levite which pass by on the other side, never stopping to help. The song they were singing still rings in my ears.

We’re so busy, oh so busy….

I don’t know about you, but I wrestle between stewarding my talents and leaving enough margin in my life to be interrupted by God. To be available for those He brings my way.

We are called to steward our talents…our time, energy, resources and money. Jesus had harsh words to say about the servant whom He entrusted with two talents. The servant buried the talents. When the master returned to settle the accounts, the servant returned the two talents. The master replied “You wicked, lazy servant!”. (Matt. 25:26) Clearly, the master expected a greater return on his investment.

One day, God will ask me what do I have to show for all the time, energy, resources and money He entrusted to me. He will want a return on his investment. I need to steward well.

At the same time, I don’t want to fall into the trap of the Priest or the Levite. I have to wonder if they were on their way to a prayer meeting when they passed by the half-dead man on the side of the road. I don’t want to be so busy being productive–even productive in serving God, if it means I’m not available to be used by Him to accomplish His will. Love everybody, always. I think Jesus listed that as #2 on commandments we need to master. (Matt.22:37-39)

I need margin. I need to steward my life in such a way I leave margin. Kind of like Boaz.

Boaz was a wealthy land owner who experienced a good return on his investment. But he didn’t make a habit of harvesting everything from his fields. He seemed to understand the balance between being productive while also leaving margin. He didn’t glean everything. He left some behind for those who might need it. (Ruth 2)

Like Boaz, I need to work so I will experience a good return on my investment. But I don’t need to make a habit of harvesting everything from my fields. I need to leave some time unaccounted for, some money not allotted and some energy available for the people God may bring my way. I need to live my life in such a way, I am prepared to love everybody, always.

Lord, help me be shrewd as a snake but as innocent as a dove as I learn to navigate the tension between stewardship and margin. (Matt. 10:16) Help me to wisely steward my time, energy and resources for your kingdom and your glory. But also help me to leave margin. Teach me to leave room in my schedule, my budget, for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Realizing, You may have other plans for my day.