Gracefull Buffers

For most of my teens and twenties, I was late for most everything.

That was before my husband taught me the value of saying "No." And before I learned the #value of #buffers.

My problem was not that I wasn't a good project manager or life-scheduler. I didn't need a new organization system or more/better technology. I'm a Franklin Covey cool-aid-drinker, so I had the tools and I'd been trained to use them. My problem was 1) that I was saying "Yes" to almost every ministry and work role and 2) I didn't know how leave room for error - for life.

Then, in my thirties, when I finally employed buffers properly and developed a reputation for being on time (even a bit early), I had a kid.

Love him, but infants and toddlers eat buffers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After being frustrated with myself for not being able to leave the house on time for anything for about two months, I remembered: BUFFERS.

So I adjusted again. Then, just as I was getting the right rhythm, I got pregnant again. Thankfully, this time it didn't take quite so long to remember - say it with me: BUFFERS.

First, we learn what we #value. Then we use those #values to build #boundaries that allow us to say "No" to things that aren't as valuable to us. What this looks like on a calendar or organizational system is BUFFERS between events. #Margin for error. Room for life (and diaper blow-outs as you are backing out the driveway).

Each time I enter a new season of life, move to a new city, or embrace new roles, I have to reexamine my buffers. Before I had my son, buffers were 15 minutes or so between tasks performed in the same building or area, 30 or so for tasks performed in a different location in a small city (much more, when I lived in Atlanta). After my son, I had to increase the buffer to around 45 minutes until I got the "leaving process" down. It became 60 minutes when I had two children to perfect the "leaving process". I'm still working on perfecting it now - this blog is a good reminder to me.

And I can't be the only one. I Googled "getting kids ready for school" and there were over 200K results in 4 seconds. I recently read an article that said that getting kids ready for school is equal to a part time job! (I believe it and I'm not looking forward to that season.) I'm willing to bet that it's one of the hardest things parents have to do.

So, in order to keep our #sanity and to teach our kids #flexibility (by not making them nuts) as well as setting a good example on several levels, we should increase our buffers and have grace for ourselves. Even if it means we only get one thing done well, per hour.

#Grace schedules buffers to keep sanity alive and well.