Sustainable Living: Leaving Energy Gleanings in Your Life

Going green. Global warming. Reducing carbon footprints.
AI defines sustainable energy as “energy sources and systems that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their needs.”

What if that same philosophy applied to your personal energy?

The truth is—you can manage your energy in a way that fuels you today without compromising tomorrow.
Think of it like your iPhone battery: When you’re traveling, you become very aware of that little percentage bar…and extra intentional about where and when you charge. You don’t wait until it shuts down to find the outlet—you plan ahead.

It’s the same with your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.

When you begin to notice where your energy grows and where it drains, you’re able to maximize productivity and prioritize rest, passion, and purpose. Even Taylor Swift said on the New Heights Podcast, “Think of your energy as if it’s expensive—as if it’s a luxury item.”

Years ago, I was pondering this while reading Leviticus 23:22:

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor.”

This verse is about leaving a portion of the harvest for those in need. But what if we applied that same principle to our daily energy? What if we intentionally left gleanings—a buffer of margin—so our lives could remain sustainable?

Margin means having enough energy left throughout and after the day’s work to handle interruptions, illness, or unexpected circumstances without completely crashing.

Without margin, every moment gets maxed out for productivity—and small interruptions (like a slow checkout line or a late client) suddenly steal our joy, patience, and ability to adapt.

So let me ask…

What white space exists around your day, week, or month?
Do you intentionally create and guard margin as you plan?

This is a core practice of self-leadership.
Start the simple but powerful habit of “leaving gleanings” in your schedule.
It will protect—and even produce—the energy you need most.