THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE BALANCE

Life is busy, and almost everyone is prone to becoming too busy. Ask anyone how they are on any given day and see what their response is.  “Busy”, “too busy”, or even, “exhausted” are standard replies. It is sad that this has become so common.

Living a “too busy” life may seem noble in a desire to live a purposeful, productive life, but it has a negative side. For those of us serving in ministry, people are observing our example. The reality is that our schedule, in other words, how we spend our time, is a reflection of our priorities and our most visible example. Our hearts may be in the right place, but a too-busy calendar and resulting fatigue can fracture us. Our weakened condition influences others in a bad way, and painful things happen when we are sapped. Here is one result:

LIVING TOO BUSY STRESSES RELATIONSHIPS

Being too busy hurts our families and wears us out emotionally and physically. Being stretched too far hurts our ministry relationships and friendships too. It is difficult to live compassionately and patiently towards others we are trying to serve when we are emotionally drained. Everyone else truly does pay when we are too busy, especially those closest to us. The solution is:

LIFE BALANCE REQUIRES REFILLING AND RENEWING

It has been wisely said that to be able to give, we must be taking in, and taking in more than we are giving out! When we are drained our hearts may feel hopeless. When we are “filled up” we will have a hopeful, optimistic outlook. Regularly resting, reading a good book, disconnecting and drawing apart, taking extra time with the Lord, will all help refill an emotionally drained life. Do that which refuels YOU. Recently, after several weeks of ministry pressures, I was sharing with my pastor (and boss) that I was still feeling exhausted even after a “back to normal” week. He encouraged me to be patient— it also takes time to recover from exhaustion! So don’t be discouraged if it takes a bit to feel renewed—it will happen.

May I encourage you (and myself!) to make a balanced life your example? Yes, live sacrificially, and work hard. But also work to keep your balance. Be purposeful in building strong relationships. The results will be so worth it! You will preserve your own health and saneness. Your marriage and relationships with your children, family, friends, and co-workers will also be blessed much more abundantly.

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE BALANCE

Living a balanced life sets a biblical example that honors God and encourages those around you. A balanced schedule will help produce a fruitful life and make you more resilient and capable to serve others. Bless you as you choose to live a purposeful, balanced life.

“Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.” –Ecc. 4:6