Finding Balance While Carrying a Heavy Load

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I like to do as much as possible, often balancing too much. Whether trying to carry as many groceries as possible into the house or balancing several jobs in the kitchen at one time, sometimes, I can get into trouble. I have tried to balance a carton of eggs on top of the burdensome load and then attempt to carry a gallon of milk with one finger! The weight is heavy, and my hands and arms are too full, but I think I can do it! Most of the time, the groceries remain intact; however, our kitchen floor has occasionally swallowed split milk and raw eggs. :)

My mind travels from the weight of carrying too many groceries to the weight of trying to take on too many commitments and responsibilities. Have you ever held a load so heavy that things get off balance? Have you ever said yes when you should have said no? Me too!

The Oxford Dictionary defines balance as "to keep something steady so that it does not fall" and "an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady." Balance gives stability and equilibrium to life. It allows us to remain strong even in difficulties. Balance builds the boundaries necessary for a beautiful life. 

Balance builds the boundaries necessary for a beautiful life.

So what is a gal to do? I am incorporating a few practical steps to balance an already full load. Here are a few steps that helped me.

Learn to say no.

There are many opportunities, but it does not mean you should say yes to every invite. It is ok to say no. You can easily get swayed from the main thing when trying to do too many things. Let go of the things in life that are weighing you down. Endless, time-consuming meetings that might be streamlined. Appointments can be scheduled back-to-back instead of on multiple days. Know what God has called you to and stay focused. Use your time wisely. Understand the will of God and walk in it. Be wise in your choices.

Ephesians 5:15-17 reads, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Learn to say yes.

Ask yourself, what are your God-given passions? Where has He used you in the past that was rewarding? Study and train in these areas. Stay focused on your God-given goals for where God is leading. Look for open doors to serve. Find your tribe of like-minded friends. Follow Him and move forward. Learn to say yes to the Lord again and again. Learn to say no to self-ambitions. It is about His plan and purpose for your life, not your own. Remember, He is God, and you and I are not. The best plan is to learn to say yes to Him and no to self.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

You will be glad to know I am learning to carry lighter loads both in the kitchen and in life. The balance has been beautiful. If you are used to carrying a heavy load, I challenge you to learn to say no to self and yes to God. Keep the main thing the main thing. The balance brings wonderful boundaries! The balance brings peace.

Love you guys!