Balance.
Powerful word. Without it, we cannot function. Balance is essential in the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social realms of our lives. We need to find this sense of equilibrium in our work and our pleasure; in what we “want” to do and what we “must” do. It is vital to our ability to thrive.
Balance is a hot concept today. Google it. Really, google the word “balance”. You’ll find 4,670,000,000 results. That is more than four BILLION results. We not only need balance in our lives, we DESIRE it! Although balance is considered a “hot topic” today, the value of balance in our lives has been discussed for thousands of years!
King Solomon reigned in the 10th century and is considered the wealthiest king of Israel. He is credited with writing the book of Ecclesiastes in the Holy Bible’s Old Testament. Here is a man who is the richest man in Israel’s history AND he feels empty. Anyone looking from the outside would say, “he’s got it made”. His basic needs are MORE THAN MET, but he isn’t whole. Something is missing. He’s out of balance.
Balance.
Merriam-Webster notes nine definitions of “balance” as a noun and several as a “verb”. So, balance is something to be attained or have AND something to be done. Balance as a noun describes the following:
- a state of “physical equilibrium” and the “ability to retain one’s balance”;
- “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis”;
- “an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements”;
- “something left over, remainder”;
- “mental and emotional steadiness”;
- “an instrument for weighing”;
- “means of judging or deciding”;
- “a counterbalance weight, force, or influence”;
- “an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece”.
As a verb, “balance” is described as:
- “to poise or arrange to balance, to bring into harmony”;
- “to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equal another”.
Further descriptions find that balance is a “state of having your weight spread equally so you don’t fall” and “a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or proper amount of importance”.
Balance is a good thing. Think of those individuals you know are balanced. They are stable. They not only feel good, they look good! They glow! They have something left over for themselves AND others. Nothing seems to cause them to waver. Balance is a good thing, indeed! Just reading through these definitions promotes a calming state within me. When I am in a state of balance, I can begin to remember what exhaling is like.
We all want to experience balance in our lives, but I am afraid few of us are intentional on achieving and maintaining it on a consistent basis. Quite possibly because balance doesn’t just occur in our lives. Nope, we must work at it and CONTINUE to work at it. Could it be easier to talk about wanting balance than actually doing the “work” of balance? It feels great to be balanced and feel equilibrium between the push and the pull, the wants and the needs, and the desires and the requirements. However, we must work at bringing harmony in our lives by continually putting ourselves in the place to experience equilibrium.
As I consider the Book of Stephanie (that doesn’t exist), I find “to be balanced” means we must have a strong “core” or “vertical axis”. Said another way, we must be grounded in truth. As I consider what “balance” is for me, I then must act accordingly. I must be determined to act according to the facts. I remind myself (OFTEN) of the fact that my God is in control and will never leave me, nor forsake me, no matter what life throws at me. God IS my vertical axis! When I latch onto Him, I begin to feel balanced again. Furthermore, this “feeling” of balance is a process not a destination. Therefore, I have to continually reach for the Axis and hang on!
Whining about this feeling of disequilibrium or imbalance does not work! Therefore, I continually work at establishing harmony in my life! To establish harmony and feel balanced, I look at my motives for everything I do. What is my motive for playing tennis tonight? My motive for taking on another speaking engagement? My motive for saying “Yes” or saying “No”. I check my motives so that I can remain in a state of equilibrium and harmony by determining how far I am from my vertical axis, or God’s purpose in my life. I remain balanced when I check my motives in every facet of my life (i.e., physical, spiritual, emotional, and social).
Does that mean that I can always “do what I want to do”? Nope. Life requires us to “do” things that are undesirable, at times. Having “that” conversation with a coworker, spouse, or friend may be difficult. We might have to frequently run by the store and pick up something forgotten. Perhaps, we are face-to-face with our greatest fear. Yes, there are some things that simply must be done, but are essential. Even in those times, I check my motives to make sure I am in line with God’s purpose for me here on Earth. I appreciate that God wants to use me to better me and, possibly someone else. I check my mindset about “whatever” it is and get it in line with God. I remember Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 which discusses the fact that “there is a time for everything” … even the undesirable stuff! (Please go read this passage here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1%E2%80%9311&version=NLT .)
To find balance again, counterbalance the “undesirable” with a “desirable”. To counterbalance the difficult conversation, offer a word of encouragement to that coworker, spouse, or friend. To counterbalance the surprise trip to the store to pick up the forgotten item, determine to “make someone’s day” by speaking to someone else who looks downtrodden. Personally, when “facing fears”, I have felt the closest to God because I am “hanging on for dear life” and balance isn’t even an issue for me!
While writing this blog, I am reminded of this picture of Savannah, my precious firstborn already in the arms of Jesus. She was determined to do a backbend on our paddleboard! She did so anytime she could, in a city park pond, at the crowded bay in Pensacola, and in the manatee-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sure, it was difficult, and she had to take risks. Did she fall? You betcha! Did we laugh at her? You KNOW it’s true! Were we in awe of her accomplishment? No doubt! Savannah took a risk, establised her core strength, developed it, and found her balance! I dare say, she lived in harmony and THRIVED! So can you!
Live your life, take risks, find your core strength, develop it, latch on to it, find your balance, live in harmony, and THRIVE! Now, exhale!
Stephanie