The other day on facebook I updated my status with these words: Trying to find the perfect balance....it's essential.
Essential for what? At minimal, survival, I think, as sometimes this is as good as it gets (...keepin it real...). But other times, to function at our greatest potential, maximize our gifts, strengths and abilities for maximum output. Yes, I do believe this is possible.
In our lives, we go through many seasons causing our schedules to change, forcing us to redo boundaries, evaluate activities, and rearrange priorities
So how do we find the perfect balance?
I think the first thing would be to make sure we have our priorities in the correct order. Without God first, my life would be chaos. After this would be my family, and the remaining items on the list could probably change from time to time depending on a variety of things.
What happens when we loose our physical balance? We fall down.
I think a similar thing can happen when our lives are out of balance. We burn out, we get dizzy (confused, tired, deceived) and fall down, we slip away from God, we neglect our family, we StReSs out.
With that being said, I am in pursuit of finding that perfect balance for me and where I am today.
To my schedule, I added five classes, 15 college hours, for the next sixteen weeks (Deep breath.). So I'm asking myself how do I maintain my same level of commitment to #1 God and then to the rest of my "normal" responsibilities (family, church, home, writing, prayer/devotion, social, volunteering, etc)?
I think the answer to this question will be different for each of us.
In my biology class there is a mother of four small children who is pregnant with #5. She is also taking a full load of classes. Waiting at home for her is six loads of laundry, a sink full of dishes and an unprepared dinner.
I'm thinking as long as everyone has clean underwear, order pizza and wash clothes tomorrow....
One of my professors talked about how busy her weeks are and how tired she is in class, especially at the end of the week. She used a small table for seating while discussing our slides and told the class that if she fell, just let her lay there for a little while because she needed the rest. :)
I'm sure you could insert your own story here.
In our lab this week, we "played" with plastic models, breaking and forming bonds, creating Isomers. Isomers are compounds with the same elements but different structures and properties. So although they contain the same elements, those elements are arranged and joined differently, causing them to have different properties and different reactions, which determines their use. In joining two of the isomers together, sometimes we had to add or remove a water molecule to create a bond between the two.
We are like isomers. Although we may have the same or similar "stuff" (elements) in our lives, that stuff is sometimes arranged differently depending on our own personal situations. And that arrangement of our "stuff" causes us to react differently and also determines our use and abilities (properties).
And when my seasons change and I another element to my life, I may have to add or lose something to make everything fit together. (I could always add a hired maid service...)
What areas can I decrease or let go of and still remain healthy?
What needs to be rearranged or re-ordered?
I pray that God will show me the perfect balance for me during this time. And I pray, if you are feeling a little dizzy and out of balance, that you will seek God and find His structure and grace for this season you are in. We are meant for great things! It's not because we are great, but because HE IS! (Kind of takes the pressure off, huh?)
Receive His grace, and allow His greatness and His strength to flow out of you.
Substantial Amount
1 week ago
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3 friends had this to say:
Very good post, Shelly. Balance...it's definately a balancing act. :) My word for the year is "discipline"...this requires balance. Thanks for sharing.
Shelly, I really loved this post. Except I'm exhausted just reading about your schedule!!
You have said such wise words. I especially liked the analogy you gave with the isomers. And the professor's comment cracked me up!
Balance is the key - and ONLY God can help us find it. You're so right, start by putting Him FIRST. Then let Him order all the other things into place.
Praying for your strength and endurance. And for peace as you seek God's pathways...
GOD BLESS!
Great post my dear..Without balance we will tilt. We become frustrated, nervous and out of sorts because we want to get everything done and then we get mad when we did not do all we reached out to do. It's a process it takes time it doesn't happen over night. But it can be done.
God will strengthen you as you keep your mind steadfast on Him
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