I started my collection of books about balance shortly after I married.
Surely experts could guide my pursuit to do and be everything to everyone. I confess I haven’t completed a single one of those dusty volumes. Who has time to sit down and focus on such a lofty goal when finding balance feels like a lost cause?
Every day was a balancing act of caring for my family, friends, and neighbors, cleaning the house, and performing at work. Somehow, I was supposed to squeeze in time with God and self-care. I was exhausted and overwhelmed before my day began.
We’re often conditioned to do it all and to succeed in all we do. But if someone has a need and I focus my time and energy on them, should I berate myself at the end of the day if I end up with hotdogs for dinner and didn’t get the toilet scrubbed? The answer is a resounding no.
Such a mindset is not sustainable, and there is no way to force all things to balance. But maybe balance doesn’t exist. Maybe we should stop aiming for something unattainable and focus on what God has given us for our season. With this realization, I discovered freedom.
Life is unpredictable. On some days, we will manage crises. On other days, we need to give ourselves permission to rest and resist the urge to do and go. At other times, we’ll have time to write cards, make calls, and get that walk in.
God gives us perspective and frees us from micromanaged chaos. When we internalize that God is in control and allow Him to manage our schedule, bumps in the road change from obstacles to opportunities to love, encourage, and provide—to be the hands and feet of God. We learn compassion, love, and flexibility when we slow down and are intentional about our relationships. When our hearts seek God, He directs our attention. One day, we’ll look back and see His balance.
Focus on God, and pray for an open heart to accept what He deems important each day. Free yourself from the guilt trips. Rest well at night, knowing God is in control and will do the balancing act for you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Laura is in joyful recovery from juggling too much on the balance beam of life. As her journey from brokenness to healing continues, she desires to help women find their inherent worth beyond the roles they fill. She encourages women to live in God's abundance as they discover wellness, contentment, joy, and confidence in how they are uniquely created. Laura is a blogger, speaker, and life coach for women, especially moms preparing for the empty nest. As a professional coach, Laura is a member of the Homeschool Counseling Resources Network. She and her husband of thirty-one years (if you don't count the bump in the road) homeschooled their children from pre-K through high school graduation in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Laura can be found at IntentionalGrowthandWellness.com, or contacted at Laura@IntentionalGrowthandWellness.com.