by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock (Isaiah 26:4 NASB).
Everywhere we turn we’re being urged to find balance. In advertising we’re given soothing images of candles, yoga, exercise, places to get away, etc. etc. etc. In my life, I try to balance writing, marketing, family, friends, church . . . all good activities, but too much is still too much. No amount of scented candles or stretching can help a writer who is struggling to find time to write.
As I try once again to wrest control from the chaos that is my schedule I’ve come to a startling revelation.
A balanced life doesn’t look like we think it should.
I’m learning that balance isn’t an exterior stability, it’s an interior poise. I don’t care how strict we are about planning, diet, exercise, even environment, times of chaos will erupt. We know this is true by experience, but more importantly we know it by looking at the life Jesus lived.
As we march through the New Testament, we see Jesus when the crowds are pushing in, clamoring for attention. We see His followers disappoint Him. We even see times when He is faced with unexpected—in a human sense—death.
Within this outward chaos, we also see a perfect example of living a life of balance. And it has nothing to do with what’s going on around Him, much less planning, diet, exercise, or environment. It has everything to do with His absolute passion for allowing God to direct His steps.
So how do we imitate Jesus? We draw closer to God. It’s that simple and that difficult. In the past, as deadlines crowded in, my inclination was to spend more time writing and less time with God. It’s embarrassing to share that about me, but it’s true. Now, the busier I am, the more deliberate I am about my time in the Word and in prayer. I’ve learned—the hard way—the only way to come through the chaos is at the side of Jesus.
TWEETABLE
Thoughts on a balanced life for writers - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Praying for you, and all my writing friends, daily Ms. Edie. And you're right ma'am; balance in life happens on the inside. It's God that keeps us centered and balanced my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the timely reminder, Edie. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWell said. There’s always going to be chaos and activity around us. That is why a river is such a good illustration of life. The banks and the speed of the river are constantly changing but underneath the surface There is a type of peacefulness. Thanks for showing us truths of our lives by being open with yours.
ReplyDeleteThis line set me free:
ReplyDelete"A balanced life doesn’t look like we think it should."
#thetruthshallsetyoufree
Having God at the center of our lives when we are making choices about how to spend our time is important. There are times when we need to pause and ask for His help. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I can totally relate. It seems counterintuitive on some levels to spend more time in His Word when there is no "deadline" connected to it and everything else is shouting for attention and declaring its urgency. But, like you said, I have found through experience that spending my time with Him is the only way through those periods when there doesn't seem to be enough time. God doesn't promise us all sunshine and rainbows, but for me, in ways that seem beyond my understanding, when I am faithful in my time with Him, the truly important things have always managed to get done, no matter how impossible it seemed that they could be accomplished in the time allotted.
ReplyDelete