We do not rest because our work is done; we rest because God commanded it and created us to have a need for it. ~ Richard A. Swenson, MD, author of Margin
Rest and margin are critical for a good life. And for a good marriage.
Rest is taking it easy physically and mentally. It means relaxing, reading, and playing. Without rest, busyness drags us down, and stress overwhelm us.
In the Big Ten, God told us to rest one day a week. It’s all well and good to say “We’re not under the law”, but if the God who created us thinks we require that, it’s probably a good idea to do it. Over on The Generous Husband, I talked about our multi-year journey from “we should take a Sabbath” to actually doing it. It’s probably the biggest and most difficult change Lori and I have ever made. Our only regret is not doing it much sooner.
Margin is free time, time not committed to anything in particular. Margin means you can do important things that come up unexpectedly. It means you can be there for the folks who count. Or it might allow for an unplanned afternoon of fishing, an evening walk on the beach two hours way, or some afternoon delight!
The saying “Life happens in the margins” is so true. Without margin, you don’t have a life. What’s more, you can’t have a good marriage, be a good parent, or please God without margin.
Swenson’s book, (see below) is in my short list of most life-changing books I’ve ever read. I highly suggest you find time to read or listen to it. It can improve your health, your life, and your marriage.
~ This is Paul, reminding you that Doing Marriage Well takes time… off!
Great Resource: Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives
Widget knows how to play hard. And rest hard.
We should all learn from her example!
Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly created with ideogram.ai & Paul Byerly
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