The Search for Equilibrium by Glynis M Belec

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Balancing game. I sometimes think it is called the Juggling game; at least in my house. And some days it even shifts from juggling to struggling to tight-rope walking. 

But am I complaining? Nope. I am rejoicing. I am rejoicing in my season. I do get a little frustrated because of my lack of available hours, but I plod on and use my agenda faithfully, reminding myself that God has me exactly where he wants me. 

I think that is the best advice I can give anyone who is dealing with a juggling act - plod on and trust God! And use an agenda or list of some kind - device or pen and paper. Doesn't matter as long as you have a reference. Balance for me comes at the end of the day when I feel accomplished and see that I crossed off at least half of my list and everyone was fed and happy along the way. 

Summertime adds to the number of balls I am tossing in the air, too; my darling grandchildren spend lots of time at my house. But how can I complain about that? Just part of the joy of having a home office and a flexible schedule. [Not many know of my late nights!] 

Maintaining an equilibrium works for me most days, although like I said, I don't get everything done in a day and battle frustrations and a temptation to feel sorry for self and drift into a depth of despair while planning my own pity party. 

But then I am reminded by God's Word that, yes, there is a time for every event, including solid writing time. Seems no one likes to attend a pity-party anyway even if I serve a delicious dose of 'why me' and generous helpings of  "how can I cope'.  It's much more fun when I rejoice in where I am instead of whining about where I want to be. 

Juggling things takes effort. Jesus is a good place for me to look to see how to juggle things properly. He had the same 24 hours I have now and the demands on Him were greater than I can even imagine. I only have to cook, clean, write, take care of people I love, run a business, and put up with hardship now and again. Jesus had to put up with huge demands of the day, not to mention the weight of the sins of the world. 

Ah, yes. Part of my pursuit of balance is suddenly replaced by the realization that no matter what I do (want, hope for, long for, write on my list) it will never be perfectly achieved. All I can do is my best and remember that God is going to be there to catch me if I fall (or drop a juggling ball or two!) 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Where is God in My Writing? - Janis Cox

I used to have time to write, before I published Tadeo Turtle. Somehow time has become shorter. Why is that?

Marketing? Blogging? Platform building? Social Media?

This month God showed me something very important. I don't need to do all that all the time. He showed me that I can spend 40 hours taking an art course, have fun and also have time to blog, eat, and time with my hubby.

How?

This past week the same thing happened. Three days were taken away from social media as a family member needed my help. And except for almost forgetting this post, most things were accomplished.

How?

I think I have found the answer. I asked myself what is really important? And I remembered that each day God has His agenda - and I am supposed to let go of my agenda.

I have this quote above my computer. I can't find it online so have no idea where it came from.

"We have no control over what life delivers to our door. But we have complete control over our response. Let the record show your response brought glory and honour to God."

God had been taking time to talk to me and I didn't want to listen. He showed me that I am a special work of His but I am in progress. Remember: God isn't finished with me yet.

If I remember to let go and leave my day to God, He does give me the time, the nudging, the connections and the energy to do it His way. So I can do art; I can write; I can visit family.

God shows me what is really important to Him. (tweet this)

"We have no conception of what God is aiming at, and as we go on it gets more and more vague" (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 3).

My only goal is to please Him. 

Are you writing for God? Are you listening to His nudges?

What has God been saying to you lately? Are you doing what you love? Are you excited to do it? Why do you write? Ask yourself these questions. Then ask God to show you where He wants you to focus your attention and time. 

I have learned to continue to follow His Footsteps and He will show me the way He wants me to go.

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog calledFamily and Faith Matters. Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.