By Don Bingham
What is this, you might ask in utter astonishment – but if we take the time to read on, the point may be a valid one.

By Don Bingham
What is this, you might ask in utter astonishment – but if we take the time to read on, the point may be a valid one.
One of my favorite books (and is well worn, I might add) is a paperback edition of Margin, The Overload Syndrome by Richard A. Swenson, M.D. Some pages are “dog-eared,” and some appear to be even tear-stained. I have to resort to it throughout the year, especially during the holiday season.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Fasting from food leads to a starvation that purifies the body; fasting from technology leads to a margin that fortifies the spirit.”
Well, there you have it – the antidote, the home remedy, the cure all for the season. And the “guaranteed-to-work” solution to holiday stress!
Dr. Swenson gives one-liner hints to the problem of overload. For those of us who love high energy, action packed, fast track living, I have found his hints a wonderful way to maintain a balance. In fact, my copy of his book makes its regular appearance in my reading schedule about this time every year.
Someone has said, “God can do in 20 minutes what it takes us 20 years to do.” Is it busyness that moves mountains…or faith? Dr. Swenson also reminds us that “life is a journey, but it is not a race.”
I have not mastered the art of fasting from food or technology – I’m a very poor example, but these years of “traveling in the fast lane” have at least helped me to identify the problem. Overload distracts us from the true meaning of life.
Again, Dr. Swenson reminds me: “Overload distracts us from love. And in the end, excuses don’t hold up.”
I’m so thankful for the holidays, I want to be a good steward of the time with my wife, my family, my church, my job – and if my body did not require sleep, I’d have it made! This having been said, may we all thoroughly enjoy “decking the halls” and at the end of the day….rest, peacefully content….and love the “silent nights.”