Margins

Imagine this: our family of three with 9 large bags/trunks, two 50lb carry-ons, a heavy diaper bag, an unweighed but probably 40lb backpack, and a 40lb thirtyone bag so full that the baby toys are falling off as we walk. Then add the 21 pound baby in a carrier, stroller, and a carseat. Whew. That was our scene as we traipsed into the airport on Wednesday. Then because each was 0.5-1.5 pounds over the limit, we had to shuffle and leave some towels (perhaps one of our visitors over the next year will be able them!) Thankfully, we arrived at the airport in the morning and had dear friends watching/playing with Sydney to make it much less stressful.

Once at our gate, we were told that it was a full flight and we could check any bags to their final destination for free. That was a relief as we shifted a few things around to allow one less bag to lug around. In doing so, we also took out an extra small bag to allow our overflowing thirtyone bag to better function. In London, it took a bit of time to get through security (as we had in St Louis) and we literally walked on the plane going to Switzerland as soon as we reached the gate. 

The above travel scenario is an excellent example of a lack of margins. (Refer to a book called Margin by Richard Swenson.) In the last few years of residency, I have lacked margins so much that I haven't had time to read the Minute of Margin devotional I had been given. The concept is understood by looking at any book and realizing how annoying it would be if the words were written all the way to the edges. There would be no room to write notes in it. Similarly, if I travel all of the time as I did to France, it is hard to accept any gifts, even a card from someone, knowing I have to find a way to pack it. And then taken a step further, in life, if I arrive just in the nick of time (guilty), I have no time to stop to talk or help someone. I may arrive slightly late to one appointment and then get further behind as the day progresses.
On the other hand, living life with margin decreases stress and increases functionality. Margin allows me to take time to see others, to engage with them, and to perhaps stop and help when it is needed. Hopefully I can put up some boundaries so that I can have margins here in France and also in Congo.