I learned a principle a few years back that has come to mind many times over the years--and especially lately. I wish I could remember who told me this first, but it has actually been said in different ways by different folks through the years. Most of us have some area of struggle in our lives. It could be our weight or general overall health. It could be finances. It could be self-discipline to exercise, have a daily time with God, family, or friends. It could be working too hard or not working hard enough. Anyone relate to any of these?
The principle I heard had to do with weight management--something that most Americans (Christians included) struggle with to one degree or another. She said, "If you'll be brutal with the 5 extra pounds, you'll never have to worry about the 20 or 50 or 100." Now, anything can be taken out of context and out of balance, but if you look at this wisely, you see the value in the advice. If we'll all be careful when we see ourselves getting slightly overweight, and we take intentional action to counter that, none of us would be dealing with the negative realities that accompany carrying extra weight.
I've come to the place where I try to utilize and act on this principle in all the areas of my life. (Emphasis should be applied to the word "try.") I've been experiencing a season lately where this principle seems to have flown right out the window! I think we all experience seasons like this; but as I see myself getting out of balance and overwhelmed, I've had to decide, once again, to get brutal before I fall underneath the approaching avalanche.
Thankfully, I have people in my life to whom I can go with my real, very unimpressive self, and tell them that I'm overwhelmed and that life has gotten out of balance for me. I honestly don't know what I would do without these lifesavers! I've had to take a breath, step back, and evaluate what I can do and what I've been trying to do that is causing me to lose my peace and even my joy to some extent. As I've gotten honest with God and a few close friends, it has helped me regain some equilibrium so that I make the most of the time, energy, and resources my Heavenly Father has entrusted to me.
This chick has by no means arrived! But I'm really thankful for the people God has placed around me who can help me take the next step with a greater foundation below my feet.
What helps you find balance in your life when you sense it slipping away? Do you try to live a balanced life or do you believe it isn't a possibility? I'd love to hear from you...thanks for listening to me. :-)
