Off-balance. This describes my sophomore year in college. The only problem is that I had no idea I was living off balance until I ran smack dab into mononucleosis. It is amazing how differently you look at your life situation when all you can do is stare at the ceiling — too tired to get out of bed — and think about how in the world you ended up there. I lived the college dream life, or so I thought. My days were jammed packed with having a blast with friends, the executive committee of my sorority, making some money with a part time job, and a little school on the side. I had too much fun to notice that I ran my body into the ground. God must have tried to get my attention to tell me to slow down several times, but I never listened. So, He let me hit a brick wall.
I realized during the many months of recovery that I couldn’t treat my body this way. I had to find a way toward balance in my life and this meant making time to take care of my physical and mental health. Looking back, though I missed out on many fun activities while laid up in bed, this lesson of balance is one I would be hard pressed to forget in the future.
I’m going to make a bold statement here that might make most of you ladies cringe: it is okay to say no. If you are the type who loves dinner with your girlfriends, but school has worn you out this week … no is an acceptable answer. If you are the go to girl at work when an officemate needs help with a project and you are already neck deep … no probably won’t get you fired. Or if you have been running on empty and your body needs you to rest … no won’t mess up your fitness goals.
A balanced life that makes time for rest is actually God ordained. If you don’t believe me, check out Genesis 2:2. Doesn’t it say that, on the seventh day of creation, God took a rest? Or take a look at Mark 1:35. Jesus broke away from the crowd begging for his attention to relax, rejuvenate and spend time with His Father. The Lord knows that our bodies can’t handle constant wear and tear so He set the standard Himself for balanced living and rest time.
Take a few minutes to do a little exercise with me. Write out all the activities you are involved in. Then, put those activities into two categories:
** Absolute priority – No is not an option (i.e., school, work, family, etc.)
** Moderate priority – No might be an option if I’m worn out (i.e., volunteer work, social clubs, work, friends, etc.)
The activities or responsibilities that fall into the first category are those that you just can’t skip out on. It is when you cut down on those in the second category and take time to rest that you can put your full attention into your top priorities. This is balance, plain and simple.
I wish I could say that I have this concept down, but I don’t. Just the other day I hit that wall and treaded water all week. By Sunday, I had nothing left, and I was terribly moody. I don’t believe I took even five minutes the entire week to step back, prioritize and then say no. God never intended us to live our lives off kilter and our priorities out of whack. Had I taken that time to step back, I wouldn’t have made life so miserable for those around me that one moody Sunday.
So, let’s set an example for the women around us headed toward their own brick wall. Let’s live our lives in balance. And let’s be bold and make it okay to say no for our own sake.
And now … I’m headed to take a nap.
Resources…
Genesis 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Something Else…
Lets continue the discussion with a great video on priorities.
Sarah Martin values a good Sunday afternoon nap. She is currently looking to find balance by managing her love affair with her Blackberry. Find out more about Sarah on her website LIVE IT OUT!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so glad that someone else has a similar experience as me, my sophmore year of college I had the same thing happen. My life was out of balance and I totally shut down for awhile. And now I am still learning how to balance my life.
thanks for the reminder. At times i think i lose focus of what is supposed to be most important.
I had the same experience when I was in college. I did a whole lot. I think Senior year was the most jam packed year of my college experience. Sorority, step team, community service, orientation, friends, outings. I wanted to everything because I knew I would miss a lot of those things when I graduated. But in the end, i wish i could’ve rested. Now I am learning, I’m running my own business, working a full time job, and trying to do speaking engagements. It’s hectic. Thanks for the reminder. I need a nap too! To be honest, sometimes I just can’t sleep because I’m too excited about what the future holds. I need balance Lord!
Hey friends!
So glad you stopped by. I am curious to read your thoughts after you do the little priorities exercise I mentioned above!
sarah
My list of Absolute Priorities needs to include time out for the Lord. On paper that is easy to do, but mentally my flesh and I battle to make the time happen on a regular basis!
I’m a mom of 2 little girls with a demanding job and busy extended family schedule. I work hard to keep my priorities balanced and only God can make it all work. He is my provider and what sustains me each challenge that comes my way. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!” Philippians 3:13
My family must be my first priority (aside from the Lord) and within my job I am working on which tasks I face are priorities and which I can let go. Sometimes we have to limit time with extended family. Sometimes I let the housework go to spend time with my hubby or my children. At the end of the road, which options will you wish you had chosen to make your priority?
Great thoughts Janelle! I love the question you posed. At the end of the day, will anyone remember that the laundry was not folded or will they remember the memories made during good, quality time with loved ones.
I think this battle of saying no is a constant cycle of evaluation and prioritizing. If we don’t stay in this cycle, things creep in that take away our focus from what truly matters. And…sometimes what truly matters is taking time for ourselves, too!
Thanks for sharing!
sarah