An overloaded airplane will not fly.
When a truck is overloaded, its springs break.
When heavy snow builds up on bushes, the branches break.
When we have too many obligations, when we try to do too many things, we might cope successfully for a period of time, but, long-term, we break.
Implications of Overload
When we are overloaded, we’re less apt to consider our ways. It’s harder to listen. We’re more likely to be angry. We are likely to snap at interruptions, refuse new opportunities, and crumble with crises.
When I was working, day after day, week after week, there would be little or no “white space,” times on my calendar without an obligation. Without sufficient time to reflect, I was less effective, and I misinterpreted opportunities as avoidable interruptions.
Many of us, whether or not we’re working, live our entire lives that way, with long to-do lists, and constant pressure. We schedule our lives from dawn to bedtime, sleep coming long after sunset. Our families suffer. Our health suffers. We’re emotionally depleted. When (not if) we’re confronted with unexpected opportunities or crises, we can come apart.
We might be like a juggler who can comfortably handle 5 balls, but who drops all of them when a sixth ball is thrown to him.
On the other hand
Jesus never told someone He didn’t have time.
He never seemed to be in a hurry.
Jesus’ life was full of interruptions that were opportunities to explain God’s kingdom, to call for repentance, to demonstrate the Father. (See Interruption or Opportunity?) He responded, in the moment, to whatever the Father sent Him.
He had the disciples come away to rest. (Mark 6: 31)
How can we be more like Jesus?
Margin; Breathing Room; White Space
It is vital that we have sufficient unscheduled time. Some call this “margin,” others call it “breathing room,” or “white space.”
With margin, we are more apt to be spontaneous, welcome opportunities, have strength for crises.
Having margin is not sloth. It is actually a tool to increase our effectiveness.
Creating Margin
One of my lessons in retirement is that there is still more to do than there is time. Prioritization is still required. I still have to say “No,” to some good things in order to have time and energy for the best things.
And I am newly conscious of the need to leave ample unplanned time, “white space” for rest, the unexpected call, or the unforeseen crisis. We need emotional and physical energy in reserve to do our best.
Overloading ourselves is not an effective long-term strategy.
Instead, overload makes us poor and needy.
