Fuel for a Balanced Life by Susan Barclay

Maintaining balance is important!

Dictionary.com offers 31 definitions for the word 'balance' so clearly even the best minds have difficulty with this subject! The meaning that I'm going to use is number 11, "the act of balancing; comparison as to weight, amount, importance, etc.; estimate."

When I first read the topic for August, my thought was: "Balance. Ugh. Is there such a thing?" The way I look at it in light of the above definition is that the art of balancing means I've correctly evaluated life's priorities and am proactive to address them in their proper order. And while I think I've successfully accomplished part A of that equation, I've a long way to go on part B.

It's not that I haven't tried. I've used my calendar to create detailed schedules, outlining devotional, family, work, writing, volunteer and other commitments. I've tried 'to do' lists and apps, a white board, computer sticky notes. I've read books on the topic, and I've tried saying no to all but the essentials.  So far nothing has worked long-term.

This well-known phrase strikes me as true: "life would be easy if it weren't for other people." One of the major obstacles to attaining balance has to do with others in my life. To put it simply, my husband, my young adult children, my mother, my employer, all have needs and expectations. My husband longs for an uncluttered home (as do I, for that matter!). My children are torn between dependence and independence. My mother is getting older and requires more frequent check-ins and visits. My employer expects my presence and hard work at the scheduled times. Of course I don't want these people out of my life, but where do my own needs and desires fit in? I know I have the same number of hours in a day as Mother Teresa, etc., but I am not Mother Teresa!

In Dancing Through Life, (which I admit I haven't read yet), Candace Cameron Bure says,

“The pace of life is often so fast, we don’t always have time to pause and spend time with the Lord. We must take advantage of the time we do have so His Word is stored in our hearts and can be our fuel in the busyness of life.” 

God's Word is fuel!

Therein lies the answer. In belonging to God, His strength and wisdom are mine! I know that Jesus took time to rest and commune with His father. I know that He is my example. My new challenge  is to search the Bible for more on what it says about living life in balance. If anyone has any scriptures to get me started, please leave them in the comments!
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Susan maintains a website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com