Girlfriend, I know ALL the right answers to this question about balance: Meet with the Lord every morning for a meaningful visit. Walk for an hour each afternoon to clear the mind and exercise the body. Read something that nourishes heart and spirit before heading for bed. Sleep eight hours. Eat healthy foods. Drink plenty of water.

 

It all sounds very restful and wise and good. But that’s not what life looks like at the Higgs house.

 

My conversations with the Lord usually happen in the shower. My daily walk is a brisk two-minute stroll from the back door of my house to the front door of my office. I read novels on my Kindle, am lucky if I get five hours of sleep a night, drink water only if it’s flavored, and eat…well…whatever’s in the fridge or on sale.

 

Not very spiritual, I know. Just the truth.

 

Even the word “balance” makes me nervous, bringing to mind that low wooden beam in gym class. One false step, and I was on the floor, moaning.

 

Maybe that’s why I define “balance” as walking in God’s will, which is surprisingly effortless, since “he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14  Of late, here is what God is asking of me: Fret less. Smile more. Give thanks. Judge not. Do the work he places in my hands. Love the people he brings across my path. Meditate on a verse from Scripture like a hard candy, chewing on it until nothing remains but the sweet taste—“sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

 

And when I sleep, I sleep well, knowing the day’s work, however great or small, is done. I cannot have those hours back, and so I rest in this comforting promise: “He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8