I thrive on being efficient and come by this honestly. My family loves getting together for projects and ending the day basking in the productivity of even the smallest accomplishment. When my dad and I go to the store, I start a slow jog just to keep up. And for goodness sake, let’s not waste time by sitting down. We have things to do.

There is a swift undercurrent that permeates our culture as we roll through life at unprecedented speeds. Multitasking is expected. “Yes” is our immediate response to any request because, after all, we can handle it. We want to provide our kids with more activities, experiences, and opportunities to enjoy good things. We want more out of every moment.

But what if good was framed by a different set of standards; not about more but less? What if the good in life was not an addition equation but one of subtraction, one that provided space in schedules and awareness in the moment by practicing the rhythm of less? One of the best words for framing this idea is margin.

Margin is the space that allows room so the unexpected doesn’t overwhelm, and the unplanned detour can lead to unforeseen blessings. Margin gives regular space to breathe, rest, and respond intentionally instead of, by default, reacting. Reaping the blessings of margin is the result of sowing only what is most important.

A refreshing thought, isn’t it? Not too long ago this rhythm was normal. Productivity was rooted more in who than what, in relationships more than activities. The sun set the work-pace and Sundays were a sacred day of rest. If this way of life sounds like a welcome change from the current flow, it may be time to move against the current. Because if left unchecked, our lives become a rush of one commitment after another, crowding out the very room needed for good growth to occur.

We spring into this issue of Focus on Artesia by seeing how our fellow community members are already practicing this. From helping others choose a better path to taking care of health to creating more peaceful homes, good is growing all over Artesia. There are endless ways to do less in order to experience good, even in the smallest ways.

If only we can make a little space.

Allyson Joy
Associate Publisher