A few years ago someone asked me about my greatest challenge in ministry. The answer was easy: margin. And I’m guessing that is the challenge many pastors feel.

Between pastoring, writing, and speaking I’m stretched pretty good. I especially feel that way after going over my 2010 calendar. Didn’t leave as much margin as I could have or should have. Moving forward, I feel like I need more margin. It comes back to this simple truth: if you don’t control your calendar, your calendar will control you.

Here are seven margin maxims:

1) Put Your Family First
2) Guard Your Day Off
3) Don’t Check Email During Peak Productivity Hours
4) Get Out of the Office Whenever Possible
5) Start Your Day With Devotions
6) Put Together a Stop Doing List
7) Use All Your Vacation Days