Balancing Act

(From one of my sketchbooks of a friend back in his younger years logging in British Columbia)

A common struggle for many of us is how to stay balanced in our busy round of life.  It is an ongoing endeavor to keep on top of everything that involves our lives.   Here are a few brief tips to refresh your direction to stay at your best:

1.  Focal point---Keep your eyes on the ball, as we say in sports.  Know what is most important in your life.  Keep those values in a mental checklist to compare often with the activities you are dealing with regularly.  Keep the main things as the main things.  So many causes and things to do reach out to attach to our schedules.  Choose to be engaged with what aligns with your values.

2.  Simplify---You are only one human being, not Hercules!  There are many worthy causes but only ONE you.  There is an optimum capacity you have with your energy and health in which you can function well.  Beyond that, the efficiency curve bends downward.  Notice if your attitudes are dragging and lacking passion towards involvement.  Are others such as family members and friends being negatively impacted by your fatigue, stress, and lack of time?

3.  Maintain the Ready Position---In sports, the "ready position"  is one in which your feet are planted firmly on the ground, your knees are flexed, and your arms are ready in front of you.  It is harder to be knocked down when in this stance.  And when you do get bumped off balance, you are able to quickly adjust and return to a balanced pose.  The same holds true for life.  It is wise to maintain consistent schedules and good healthy practices.  Sometimes life has a way of throwing us curve balls, and we find ourselves off kilter and not always able to maintain our usual patterns.  But when you live a life of consistency, it is easier to return to the "ready position"  when circumstances allow.  Our souls thrive best and we are able to be of greater service to our fellow man when we live a balanced life.  

If you make Christ the center of your life, He promises that we will find abundant life, life that is full, fresh, gushing with passion and zeal.  With Him at the helm of our lives, He promises that "out from our innermost being springs and rivers of living water shall flow continuously."  (John 7:38  Amplified Verson)  I think that makes for a wonderfully balanced life!!

Speaking of balancing act...here's an interesting video of someone who definitely has a balancing skill:

Live bravely and beautifully!