One day God decided it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone and fashioned Eve from a rib in his side. Since then, mankind has been encouraged to gather and have unity. (The bible has so much to say about unity!)
John Donne wrote almost 400 years ago:
No man is an island,
entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
as well as if a promontory were.
as well as if a manor of thy friend’s
or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind;
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.
John Donne, 1623
No man is an island. In other words, we can’t live like we are the only one in our universe. I also appreciate his thought of being “involved in mankind,” because I think that is our calling – even for introverts, of which I am a card-carrying member.
Involvement means caring
Lately, I’ve been discussing a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter.
Margin is what I’m after, because it’s difficult to minister to others if my own life is stuffed to the gills with too many activities and things.
Envision a life where there is time to do what matters. Involvement with others is kingdom work. I’m not talking about a plethora of lunch dates and activities on the calendar to make me think I’m involved with humanity.
Ways to Care
I’m talking about having enough free time to send messages of encouragement when I see someone struggling; or calling when I know someone needs a word. Even better, wouldn’t it be great to take time to just sit in the presence of someone who does not need to be alone?
I need time to whip up a lasagna or a pot of soup for a family that needs feeding. Sure, I’ve bought meat trays or desserts before when someone in my circle has a need; but I know home-cooked food says, “I care.”
It is also essential to have margin to be an intercessor. I don’t want to be the person that says, “I’ll pray for you,” and then life gets so busy I forget all about it.
Finally, I need to share my stuff. Why burden myself with taking care of things I don’t use? Why not release it and give it away? If nothing else, I can donate it and make a thrift store shopper’s day with finding just the bargain she was hoping to find.
Think of the time saved from dusting once all that stuff is gone! (Ok, I don’t dust, but think of the time saved from feeling guilty about not dusting!)
Caring started with the Father
Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Luke 12:24-28 NLT
God cares about all His creation, even birds and wildflowers. How much more He cares about you! Take that caring you receive from Him and share it with your people.
Sharing is caring!
Hey! I’m on a journey
I don’t pretend I’m doing all this perfectly. I’m sharing the goals and dreams I have in my heart in this series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life.” This is day twelve of examining a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter. You can click here to see all the links to the series.
I’m joining a host of writers participating in a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. My life being what it is, I’m starting 3 days behind, but writing 28 days does not have to be defined by the month of February. I’m simply promising to write for 28 days. If life interrupts, as it often does, I may have to skip a day here and there. The goal is to write 28 times on my subject, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” consecutively … or not!
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I’m sharing this today at Tune In Thursday, Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Remember Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Recharge Wednesday
I see the truth of this more every year as our family gets bigger!
Yes, and it only makes our lives more satisfying and richer!
Involvement with others really is kingdom work and we need to keep margin to be able to do it well as God’s hands and feet.
Donne is too much neglected in the 21st Century. We would all be better for it to be included in curriculum and discussed! The poem beautifully implies that all men need to be mourned and cared for – not just the ones in our inner circle. This was a beautiful stop by in my day! Thank you Jerralea!
Yep, I’m with you, Jerralea.. Embracing this season with wide open margins. Being available to those who need me. Time to think and dream and create.
And rest.
Love it.
I try to create more margin in my life but it is difficult. There are so many things I want to do. But living with margin is definitely the way to go!