It’s a Balancing Act

Where can we find a sense of stability and rest in our busy lives?

“We are blessed with these inner rhythms that tell us where we are, and where we are going. No matter, then, our fifty- and sixty-hour work weeks, the refusing to stop for lunch, the bypassing sleep and working deep into the darkness. If we stop, if we return to rest, our natural state reasserts itself. Our natural wisdom and balance come to our aid, and we can find our way to what is good, necessary, and true.”

—Wayne Muller, Sabbath

There is an old circus act known as plate spinning. The performer has numerous stationary, upright dowel rods and begins to spin plates precariously positioned on top of each rod. The audience is amazed as they wonder how many plates the performer can keep spinning simultaneously. He often has to return to refresh the spinning speed of previous plates. Eventually, eight, 10, or more plates are spinning at the same time. It is a whirlwind to watch.

Maybe you sometimes feel like that plate spinner, trying to keep all your plates (aka responsibilities) upright and moving. Life is a balancing act: pack school lunches, walk the dog, battle traffic going to and from work, tick off your to-do list, make dinner—you get the idea. You may feel worn out, frustrated, or even angry at needing to respond to work, family, church, and community concerns. And yet, amid all of this, your body, mind, and emotions beckon you to take time for self-care.

Is there any magic equation for work and rest? We are people of rhythms—words and silence, community and solitude, filling and fasting. We want to live purposeful lives and infuse meaning into all we do, but we can lose sight of who we are during our service of doing.

We are tri-part beings. We are spirit, have a soul (comprising our mind, will, and emotions), and inhabit a body.

Every aspect of our being is important to God, and that is evident in the fact that God became a man and experienced life as we do: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”

—Romans 12:1 (MSG)

Where do we begin?

It is essential to recognize that God loves us just as we are, but He does not leave us that way. He desires for us to be just like Jesus. Now, there’s a daunting task! Where do we begin? Let’s take small steps toward the whole picture.

Your physical health

It’s essential to appreciate your body’s remarkable capabilities. When we push the boundaries of what we can do, our body gives us warning signs long before our brain realizes we’ve gone beyond what is reasonable. Is your body trying to tell you something you’ve overdone or neglected?

Stay hydrated. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Eat mindfully. This doesn’t mean you can never have a juicy burger or bowl of ice cream, but moderation is the key. Eat small meals, opt for nutrient-dense foods, and limit your caffeine and sugar intake.

Sleep. To the best of your ability, get the needed amount of sleep (six to eight hours). If you can’t get it in one night, let it be cumulative with a nap.

Your mental/emotional health

Reflect on your actions. Review your day and ask: “When did I sense God speaking to me? When did I respond? When did I resist?”

Consider setting reasonable boundaries.

Decrease stress. Intentionally stepping back, breathing deeply, and waiting a few moments before reentering a stressful situa­tion can be life-changing.

Your spiritual health

What do you want? This may feel like a self-serving question, but consider that there were times in the Bible when Jesus would ask someone, “What do you want me to do for you?” What would be your answer?

Schedule quiet time with the Lord. Be in touch with your spiritual center by taking time to quiet your body and mind from outer distractions. This takes time and practice. Give yourself grace as you practice this rhythm.

Be open to inspiration. God will break through in natural, everyday situations and conversations.

Major Lauren Hodgson is the head writer for the Spiritual Life Development Department at The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory Headquarters.