When we talk about keeping our life in balance, what is it that we mean? For most people I suspect that it means having some variety in reasonable proportions. We want some play along with the work, some physical activity, some rest, some social activity, some time in nature and some time alone. Have you given much thought to what a balanced life looks like for you? Sometimes we just rush along (or trudge along) without giving much thought to balance until we find our- selves out of balance and in danger of taking a fall. 

Your idea of balance is likely different from mine, and maybe it isn’t like anyone else’s. You may need a lot of solitary time or time helping other people in order to feel good. Whatever the formula that seems right for you I encourage you to make your spiritual life a high priority. Sometimes we might be feeling anxious or down and we don’t know why. Perhaps our inner life, our spiritual life has been getting over-looked. A good question to ask is, “Have I prayed about it?”

We live in a time and place where the outer world demands a great deal. I found recently that I was spending a lot of my time focused on things and circumstances out in the world and I wasn’t feeling very good. I came to realize that for me it wasn’t enough to have a variety of activities, I needed to balance all of the outer stuff with more time in prayer and spiritual study. You would think that for a minister that would be a given, but it’s not.      

         Our most important aspect is the invisible life of Spirit within us. Like the roots of a tree it cannot be seen, but it provides the strength and balance and the inner nourishment that enable us to thrive in the other areas of our lives. If you take a moment to look at where your energy and focus are directed, does your life seem balanced? If you put it all on a teeter-totter, is your spiritual life getting the time and energy that can truly keep you in balance? You might want to pray about it.

In the Spirit,