I don’t like the whole perfection thing.  My dislike of it, however, does not remove it from my tendency to put that pressure on myself.  Several months ago God spoke to me one word: Balance.  He hasn’t let me get away from it since.  I have been striving for balance and praying every time I pray for our church family that they would also find balance.  Without balance how will we ever make our priorities straight?  How will we ever get to small group?  Much less, lead one?  How will we ever find that quiet time?…don’t even get this Mama started on that topic.  How will we ever get everyone to sit down around the dinner table together without a fuss?

Yesterday, I did not feel balanced.  I woke up at 3 am with a migraine and everything was thrown off.  (Well, not everything.  My husband multi-tasked like you wouldn’t believe between his usual responsibilities and most of mine.  He was awesome!)  My body put a halt on my fasting plans.  My dog ended up spending most of her day crated (it was rainy).  On top of all that, life didn’t stop.  Not even for a minute.

So what is the balance I’m looking for?  I’m sure I haven’t figured it out yet.  Still, I think I am realizing that somewhere between Martha Stewart and Snooki there is a reality that I can embrace.  I don’t have to have all the dishes done everyday for my day to be a success.  Not being able to locate a clean pair of socks for my 5 year old does not make me a horrible mom.  My 2 year old will not be scarred for life from one more hour of Charlie & Lola.  And, after some adjusting to my menu, I will pick up the fast where I left off.  Yesterday I learned that sometimes balance looks like leaning on my husband to pick up my slack and not feeling guilty about it.  Or calling a friend to bring over her migraine cures and a prayer.

Today my prayer is this…still:

Lord, teach me to find that balance.  Teach my friends and family to find it too.  Help us to embrace life as You have given it to us and not take a moment for granted.  Help us to know what’s important– that being truly discipled, and laughing with our family, and talking with you all day (even if the only quiet time is in the shower), are the most important priorities we could ever establish.  Help us to give ourselves and others the measure of grace that is needed.  For how will we ever give out that much grace if we don’t allow it for ourselves?  Help us to remember that dwelling on yesterday’s shortcomings does not help us find the best of ourselves.  As always, help us to walk in the things You are revealing to us daily.  Amen.