On Being Stretched Too Thin

It seems as though being stretched too thin is the story of our lives. Whether we're trying to keep up with the Joneses, spending more than we earn, enjoying too many calories, or saying yes too often, we are SPENT!

"When a person can’t find a deep sense of meaning, they distract themselves with pleasure." -Viktor Frankl 

I think Viktor is spot on. While we’re searching for our purpose and the meaning of life we become so distracted by things that please us. We find pleasure in food, busyness, laziness, shopping, and just about anything we can get our hands on. This creates an endless cycle of temporary pleasure and continual emptiness. If we can’t stay disciplined and keep our purpose and dreams in the center, we can easily jump ship for the next thing that will bring us pleasure.

I recently heard a sermon on clarity of purpose. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time because this is what I've been doing the past couple of years. Really honing in on my purpose and how exactly to live that out.

One thing I've learned in the process is that there is a very real enemy who wants to take me out. If he could just get me to snuggle back in to my comfy life, he'd be much happier and leave me a lone.

The pastor talked about creating margin in our lives and being content with what we have.

Are you content with using what you already have to fulfill God's purpose in your life? Can you trust him to use you right where you are?

When we create margin in any area of our life, it allows God to move there. When we are completely stretched too thin, we're  essentially missing out on being used to the capacity that God intends.

As a family, we've been trying to move at a little bit slower pace, eat a little healthier, spend a little less money. We are creating margin in our lives so that we can live on purpose. Saying no a little more, playing board games, and walking to the frozen yogurt store have become regular activities. Maybe it's because my kids are growing up too fast. Maybe I'm just realizing it's COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with the life we're "supposed to" live. But whatever it is, I like it! And I hope that this inspires you to live a life of simplicity.

 Where do you need to create margin in your life?

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