A few friends and I are reading this book together. Each week we are reading one chapter. On Fridays, I am posting my comments, then giving them the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)
Conclusion
- I have looked back through notes on the book, and here are the biggest things that stood out to me:
1. The simple need for margin
- I now see how margin can help in many areas and how it gives us the freedom to meet the unexpected challenges of life because we aren't living on the edge of our emotional, physical, financial or time resources.
2. The realization of the need for emotional strength
- This is the hardest for me to quantify, but I do see how lack of emotional strength affects me in all of my life.
3. The importance of relationships
- Solid relationships nurture lives. For that to happen, I must make relationships a priority.
4. The true picture of priorities
- We can't just list our priorities, because that doesn't give us an accurate perspective. A better way to picture it is the wheel. God is always the center and our other priorities each touch Him.
5. The difference between leisure and rest
- Americans are good at having time for leisure, but we aren't so accomplished on truly resting. I want to learn to have rest in my life.
I've had my say, what say you?
Discussion on Chapter 15
Wise guy. Accidentally posted it too early.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is great! That's some say! John, thanks for not passing this one up.
ReplyDeleteThoughts from Alan, who is at camp and sent his thoughts ahead of time:
ReplyDelete"1. Learned a lot about priorities in a different sense. Lots of books talk about priorities but this one focused on all priorities of life, not just business or ministry. Reminded me of the need to look at every part of my day and how they affect each other. Over exertion in work hurts family, and lack of sleep hurts my attitude with people at church, and so on.
2. Challenged me to think creatively on how to solve the problems of margin. It is a big problem and it may require some drastic changes to set it back in balance. Although I don't know if pastor would let me cut my work load in half. :)
3. Enjoyed the process of reading and thinking through a book with others. When you are going to share it with others it challenges you to think about it while you are reading it, not try to remember it after you have read it. That was refreshing and different.
Enjoyed the book. Only negative was that it seemed repetitive in spots and probably could have been shortened. Having said that though, some of the repetitive chapters were the ones where I had those "ahah!" moments."
The basic things I have been confronted with are:
ReplyDelete1. Scheduling my time allotments without margin. This creates pressure, lateness, and a lack of the cool/calm/collected feeling.
2. The concept that different days and times of year require different approaches in regard to balance, schedule, and arrangement of life. I don't always have to have the same plan of attack when different circumstances are present.
3. Emotional margin can help me greatly. I have neglected this area. Familial relationships and friends must not be neglected. This time is not wasted or unimportant. However, currently these priorities take "left-over" status. I have work to do!
4. Christ has given us peace. If I don't have it, something is wrong!