Achieving Balance for the New Year

As we gather At the Well today, we are encouraged to share goals, prayers or things strived for in the New Year. As we begin this new year, I am energized and renewed by change and want to charge ahead with many changes and enhancements in my life! But the Lord has been speaking one word to me that I need to heed - BALANCE.

If you are a wife or mother, multi-tasking is not a new term to you, but probably one that you understand quite well. We balance families, homes, work - whether at home or outside the home, friends and extra activities. I thrive on being active and love having many activities going on at one time...until I can't juggle them all anymore and they start crashing down around me.

As an example, I am currently reading three books to enrich my mind and spirit:

A Positive Plan For Creating More Fun by Karol Ladd
*A book about ways to create family fun.

Created To Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl
*A book filled with encouragement to be a godly wife.

Captured By Grace by David Jeremiah
*Highlighting the life of John Newton (composer of Amazing Grace) and expounding on God's wonderful grace.

It hit me somewhat humorous that while multi-tasking in my reading, I was bouncing from the serious issues of reverence and respect for my husband, to fun and creative ways to liven up my home (which my husband loves peaceful), to the power of God's grace working in our lives.

When we are involved in so many things as life demands, it takes wisdom to know what to do and when to do it. As busy women we find ourselves dividing up our time, energy and commitments and it takes balance to reach out and give so much of ourselves. As we juggle our activities, it is vital that proper balance is given and priorities are set. It takes insight and wisdom to tip the scales and ensure our priorities are in order and given the most attention.

Keeping a list of priorities can help keep us on track and enable us to keep our focus on the main things.

• God
• Family
• Church
• Job

These without a doubt, top the list. They demand our utmost time and commitment. Then after these needs are met then the fun begins of distributing what is left to other pursuits!

• Friends
• Hobbies
• Shopping
• Fun! etc.

Balance is a key factor that will help us to manage our time, energy and attention and to keep it channeled to where it needs to be! May each day bring us to evaluate and renew our commitments and seek to balance, bless and enrich the lives of those around us.

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,

making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17