Finding Balance In a busy life!

Is it possible to find balance in this busy life of mine? 

The true story is told of Karl Wallenda, the legendary daredevil, who thrilled audiences for years with his death-defying feats. He was known for walking high wires, cycling across tightropes, and even forming part of a seven-man pyramid—all with minimal safety precautions.

However, on that fateful day, March 22, 1978, the entire world was gripped by shock and disbelief as Karl Wallenda, at the age of 73, tragically lost his footing while daringly traversing a high wire suspended between the two towering structures of the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In a heart-wrenching moment that seemed to stretch for an agonizing 30 seconds, Wallenda struggled to regain his balance before ultimately plummeting ten stories to a devastating end. What happened? He simply lost his balance.

Life can often feel like a delicate tightrope walk, or like we’re constantly juggling a bunch of balls – work, family, personal goals – and trying not to drop any. Life’s all about learning to juggle our priorities and adapting as we go along. It’s a personal process of constant observation and evaluation. So, while perfect balance might be a myth, we can absolutely find a better balance that fits our unique journey to bring us to a more sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle.

To find better balance, we can turn to the wisdom of God, as James 1:5-8 reminds us,

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Understanding that perfection isn’t the goal, let’s explore some practical ways to help improve our life balance.

1. Identification – Knowing Who You Are

Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us,

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

God knows who you are, but do you?

Take a moment to reflect on the different roles, responsibilities, and aspects that shape your identity. For instance, in my case, I identify as a father, son, husband, athlete, Christian, and more. These characteristics and traits collectively define who I am and contribute to my unique identity. While these are just a few examples, the list can continue to grow as we consider what truly makes us who we are.

By taking that same list and identifying your core roles and responsibilities aligned with your faith and values, you can prioritize what truly matters. This process helps you assess which aspects of your life can be adjusted or negotiated and which roles should remain steadfast and unchanging at the foundation of who you are.

We find ourselves in a muddle, mixing up our priorities and failing to distinguish between what can be adjusted and what should remain steadfast. To untangle this, it’s crucial to conduct an honest self-assessment, affirming what we genuinely know about ourselves. This includes assessing the amount of time and energy we invest in various aspects of our lives. It prompts us to question what requires change. Once we’ve pinpointed our true position and affirmed our truths, we’re empowered to initiate the necessary adjustments.

In essence, focusing on who God created you to be and what truly matters to Him becomes the compass that guides you towards achieving a better balance in life.

2. Organization – Bringing Order to Your Life

1 Corinthians 14:40 wisely advises us to conduct all things decently and in order, underscoring the importance of prioritization in our lives. It prompts us to reflect on what truly holds significance and to whom it matters most. The key lies in aligning our priorities with what matters to God.

To find balance, we embark on the journey of organization. This involves not just managing our time but also structuring our schedules and family commitments. It compels us to prioritize precious moments, such as setting aside dedicated dates with our spouses, quality time with each of our children, and meaningful celebrations for holidays and birthdays. Furthermore, it recognizes the value of allocating personal time for introspection and study, providing the space to nurture our spiritual and intellectual growth.

I sometimes notice that I lean towards a more spontaneous lifestyle, and while occasional spontaneity can infuse excitement and joy into life, relying on it as the norm for day-to-day living can be less fulfilling. That’s why the importance of planning and organizing life becomes evident, as it can provide structure and purpose to our daily endeavors.

3. Delegation – Sharing the Load

Delegation can often be challenging because it involves relinquishing control, which can be uncomfortable for many of us who prefer to have a hand in every aspect of our responsibilities. However, it is a must in effective time management and achieving balance, and it’s a skill that can be learned and honed over time.

Delegate tasks that others can handle; if someone else is capable, entrust them with the responsibility. Some commitments need to be removed from your schedule – while they may not necessarily be bad, they might not be in your best interest. Prioritization is key; ensure that what is most important takes precedence. Remember three key principles: First, consider if someone else is capable of the task. Second, recognize that others can benefit from taking on responsibilities – it’s a growth opportunity. Finally, understand that perfection isn’t always necessary; sometimes, good is good enough.

4. Communication – Clarity and Consistency

Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” simply put, clear and consistent communication helps prevent frustration.

Engaging in open and transparent conversations about your weekly schedule, upcoming events, and commitments is invaluable. Effective communication not only fosters understanding but also helps prevent frustration in various aspects of life. It allows you to connect with others, seek advice, and gain insight into their needs and desires, ultimately strengthening relationships.

Strengthening communication within our homes, jobs and networks, leads to a deeper understanding of priorities and responsibilities, ultimately paving the way for better balance in life.

5. Compensation – Fair is fair

In the delicate juggling act between personal life and professional commitments, there will inevitably come moments when our top priorities must give way to unforeseen circumstances. It’s undeniably challenging when we can’t fulfill our commitments as originally intended. While we often emphasize the importance of certain priorities, the intricate demands of our careers or other obligations sometimes necessitate a shift in perspective. Learning the art of compensation becomes vital, requiring us to rearrange our priorities to ensure that what follows holds even greater significance.

For instance, in my own situation, if I promise my kids a hiking adventure and an unexpected emergency arises, the rescheduled hiking trip not only becomes a must, but it must also be more epic and exhilarating than ever before. It’s not about squeezing it in later; it’s about meticulously planning and executing it with boundless passion and purpose. The reality is that we can’t do it all, and there will be moments when we can’t follow through. Achieving balance means mastering the art of compensation and realignment when life throws an unexpected curveball into our meticulously crafted schedules.

6. Expectation – Trusting God’s Plan

In our quest for balance in life, there’s an essential element we mustn’t overlook: trust and dependence on God. As emphasized in Matthew 11:28-30, we are encouraged to come to Him, especially when we are burdened and fatigued. His promise of rest and His comforting words remind us that we don’t have to bear life’s weight alone.

However, unrealistic expectations or the disappointment that often accompanies unmet expectations can lead to burnout. When we constantly strive for perfection or allow ourselves to be disheartened by life’s unpredictability, it can become a heavy burden to carry.

Finding balance involves learning to trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives. It means recognizing that perfection may not always be attainable, and that’s okay. Instead, it’s about consistently striving for a better, more harmonious balance that aligns with our evolving priorities and circumstances. In this ongoing journey, we learn to adapt, make adjustments, and embrace the ebb and flow of life, ultimately finding a sense of equilibrium that suits our unique needs and aspirations.

Trusting in God’s guidance and being open to His plan can be a source of strength and a cornerstone in our pursuit of balance.