Balance

 

I’ve noticed that I have more difficulty maintaining my balance as I’ve gotten older. Fortunately I’ve only fallen a few times but I always have to be careful. It may not be as readily noticeable but it is easy for our lives to get out of balance. We may find that we have gotten so wrapped up in something that it distracts us and detracts from the rest of our lives. It may even be something worthy like serving in the church or doing some other charitable work. We may feel guilty about taking time away to do other things.

 

A life out of balance can cause us to fall just as easily as a physical loss of balance. If you are chronically feeling overwhelmed and exhausted due to your activities, you may not be following God’s plan for your life. We should stop once in awhile to see how well-balanced our lives are and pray about it. Psalm 127 advises us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain….In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Ps 127:1-2).  This is a reminder to us that God will provide what we need if we are doing what He is calling us to, but we may struggle when we try to do things on our own.

 

The story of Mary and Martha illustrates the need for balance. Jesus came to their house. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that needed to be made while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him. Martha came to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:40-42).