I feel compelled to maintain physical health. Balancing exercise, food and rest cannot be
easily attained. The extreme measures
taken in the past distorted any reality to the meaning of balance. I worked diligently over the past few years
to figure out balance. . .
Unfortunately, balance cannot be found in a book, on the news or in a
plan. Balance changes based on the
environment and circumstances. My
regimented character frustrates at the thought; a+b should always equal c! Well, it doesn’t.
If I choose a long run for exercise today, I need increased amounts of
nutrients and water versus a day I choose to take a leisurely walk. If I take a vacation full of rest, I do not
require the same amount of food as I would after a 5k. Routine provides comfort. Knowing exactly what to do and what results
occur provides peace.
I battle between right and wrong daily.
Discernment is a virtue to be desired.
The years a person learns navigation in life were consumed with extreme
measures taken to survive. I leaned the
scale (no pun intended) heavily one way.
All my days focused on minute to minute survival.
Coming to know Christ brought discernment. I no longer had to figure things out. The Holy Spirit within became my voice,
guide, support and encouragement!
After the newness of my relationship with God lessened, I fell into the
same old extremist patterns. I began to apply
the a+b=c regimen to my foundation of faith.
If I prayed, read my Bible, attended studies and met the “requirements”
to be a Christian, I could remain in a relationship with God. If I refrained from “bad, sinful” actions,
God would not reject my plea for a relationship. I worked daily to maintain status!
I WAS SO WRONG! A relationship
has, is and always will be two-sided. I
cannot work to be in perfect condition to be accepted by God. Yes, God is perfect. No, He does not require perfection to
approach the Cross. God accepts prayer
backed with faith. God accepts daily conversation
and invitation to walk alongside. God
accepts YOU and ME as we take Him as our Lord and Savior. Balance must be applied to all areas in life
– physical, emotional and spiritual.
A few things I have learned in seeking balance:
Daily temptation will
occur; but, temptation does NOT equal failure.
The enemy prowls around,
working diligently to cause Christians to fall, to reject God and steal any
relationship built. Temptation is
inevitable. Our reactions to temptation
is the key to building a relationship with God.
Choosing old patterns causes distance (not to be confused with
rejection) between Christians and the Cross.
Choosing the straight path builds faith and strengthens the foundation
built on Truth. Learn from
temptations. Avoid condemnation. God provides grace!
Each situation is
unique; yet, a strong foundation of Truth will withstand all situations.
The actuality remains
that whatever variable a or b present in the equation, c will remain constant
if God provides the answer. Taking
situations to the Cross, seeking God in prayer and relying on the Truth laid
out in the Bible will always result in strengthened faith. In this life, trial and tribulation will
occur. God already won the battle
through shedding of blood and death of His Only Son. God provides love!
Perfection remains out
of reach; thankfully, God desires imperfection.
Striving to reach
perfect leaves us exhausted. God takes
imperfect people and uses them in mighty ways to build His Kingdom. Where humility meets the Cross, there you
find freedom. Is this easy? Not even the
slightest bit. Our world promotes being
the best at something, anything, everything!
Pride feeds perfection. Humbly
reach your hand out to God. God provides
peace!
Balance is key. Maintain a
relationship with God through daily prayer and worship. Listen for what He has to say about
situations. He does not want perfect. .
.He just wants YOU! Balance health
spiritually, physically and mentally.
This will look different from one person to the next. Avoid comparing your balance to another’s
balance. Focus on your path. Live to enjoy your journey!
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
