Does Balance Exist?
I got out of bed this morning feeling real, “supermom-ish.” I made the girls a big, beautiful breakfast. I mean the works. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, freshly sliced strawberries, and a Danimals yogurt on the side. I was not able to do my morning devotion before they woke up. So, while they sat at the dining table I told my oldest, “I’m going in the room to pray. I’ll be right back.” Or, so I thought. Less than two minutes into me writing my journal entry, my two-year old begins to knock on the door. I tried ignoring her hoping that she would maybe go away. But, nope, she actually started knocking even louder. So, I finally opened the door to see what her issue was and her problem was me. She simply wanted me.
Parents know exactly what I’m talking about but, for those that are not parents, I’ll explain…You might think your child is fussy because maybe they are sleepy, maybe they just want a snack. So, you give them a snack to bribe them to give you just 10 minutes of silence and nothing works because all they want is you. About 5 minutes later, I finally found a way to settle her down by giving her juice. I sat her in front of the television with her sisters and made my way back into the room. As soon as I closed the door behind me, she returns again, knocking on the door. I immediately hear God say, “let her in, let her join us.”
Sometimes as parents or, just human beings, we beat ourselves up because we have to find a way to balance life and all the responsiblities that comes along with it.
Balance by definition is, “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.”
Contrary to popular belief though, balance is not juggling one thing at a time. But, balance is peace while juggling more than one thing. We sometimes assume that quality time with God has to look a certain way in order for it to be a sweet aroma onto His nostrils (Philippians 4:18), or for Him to receive it. But, God wants us to come to Him from a place of relationship, not religion. Religion will tell you that when you are spending time with God, you must be in a quiet atmosphere just you and Him. But, how many can attest that you can be in a seemingly quiet room but, still be surrounded by noise? Not noise from the outside, but noise internally. The true quality of your time with God is not based on aesthetic but, it is based on your heart posture while you are with Him.
Imagine spending time with the Father just for your home to be collapsing all at the same time. A very good friend of mine put it like this,
“your whole life is ministry. You don’t have to separate your business, being a mom, and being a student from your ministry.” In all of those roles, you are doing ministry.” -Iris K.
Ministry may not be one of the things that you’re juggling. Although I believe ministry is a lifestyle and not one specific role for a specific time. But, that’s a blog for another day. Maybe you’re finding it difficult to spend time with God, maybe you are struggling with being a business woman and a mother. Or, maybe you’re simply having a hard time balancing being a student and an employee. Here’s some good news, you don’t have to separate anything, your whole life is a domino effect, how you show up in one role affects the other. Do them all well. Even if it’s only 5 minutes studying, reading your word or praying, do it well. But, most of all, do it in peace.
What does balance look like to you? Let me know below.
Love, Lynn J.
Shouts out to my two-year old, JJ this blog was inspired by her.
