I’ve learned that one of the most powerful ways to create margin isn’t by deciding what to say no to—it’s by being fiercely clear on my yes. And for me, my first yes belongs to God. Before anything else—before business goals, ministry plans, or even family responsibilities—I want my life to reflect that He has full access. That means solitude and stillness aren’t extras I fit in when life slows down. They’re where I start. I bring my plans to Him before they’re fully formed, not after I’ve already run with them.
That same yes extends to my wife and kids. When Catherine needs to talk, my office is open—even if I’m knee-deep in a deadline. When my kids show up needing connection, I don’t just brush them off. I make it a point to carve out space. That doesn’t mean I stop everything every time someone walks into the room. Realistically, I still have to shut the door and focus sometimes. But I’ve seen the cost of constantly pushing away small moments of connection. It builds up. And over time, it can create emotional distance that takes a long time to repair.
The truth is, the work will always be there. Ministry needs never end. The inbox keeps filling. But your spouse’s heart? Your child’s spirit? Those are irreplaceable. If we wait until life slows down to prioritize connection, we’ll miss the windows God designed for growth. I’m not interested in building something great publicly while my family feels like an afterthought privately. That’s not Kingdom order.
So I try to honor the interruptions—because they usually aren’t interruptions at all. They’re invitations. When my daughter peeks in the door, or my son wants to share something small, I hold it with weight. Even if I ask them to wait until the meeting is over, I make sure to circle back. I want them to feel remembered. Because they matter more to me than whatever was on my checklist that day.
This is how I build margin—not just in my schedule, but in my heart. Margin to be present. Margin to listen. Margin to invest where it counts. Because the real fruit of my life isn’t just what I produce—it’s who I’m becoming and who I’m building with.
