FINDING BALANCE

We all talk about the need for balance, and agree that a life out of balance is a bad thing. But I find it a real challenge to nail down a proper balance in my life. Balancing work and family, outreach and edification, self and others, each require balance. Even the Bible says this shocking need for balance:

16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes .

But there is no objectively-measured standard for where to put the fulcrum. Can I ever be sure that I have found the perfect balance? And if I find it today, will it be in the same place a year from now? Probably not.

I am on sabbatical this summer and fall, and trying to find where the new point of the fulcrum should be for me. Every day so far I am wrestling with trying to hear God's gentle voice as He guides me in finding balance, trying to learn to ignore the voice of guilt and shame, or the voice of other people, and live in this new obedience of creative work and continued responsibility.

"LORD, teach me to follow You, ever, always, all for Thee."
-ker