Our lives may be off-balance, out of balance or even hang in the balance. We may be overworked, overwrought, and overcommited. Still we slide into the pew on Sunday, paste on our best imitation-of-an-I’ve-got-it-together-grin and pretend everything about our lives is just as it should be.
Never mind that our calendar is overloaded by children’s activities. Regardless of whether or not the door into our home seems more like a turnstile than a gateway to a welcoming environment. No matter the debt threatening to overwhelm the last of the savings, the constant demand of technology to work off-hours and all hours, or the level of information vying for our attention, increasing worry and eliciting stress.
[bbctt tweet=”Perhaps we are known as the human race because we refuse to slow down. We take on the next project, person, or problem without considering the limiting measures in each of our lives–time and talent.#Hecandoallthings#wecannotdoeverything#releasetheburdentodoitall”]
Perhaps we are known as the human race because we refuse to slow down. We take on the next project, person, or problem without considering two significant limiting measures in each of our lives.
Time and talent.
Limited by Time
Scripture reminds us, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” (Job 14:5 NIV)
And, “…let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.” (Romans 12:5 MSG)
Why the limits when we strive, strain and struggle to be productive? To do ministry. To serve, supply and support.
[bbctt tweet=”God knows our hearts are vulnerable. After all, how many of us have bought into the lie that doing equates living? That accomplishing equates worth? That production equates  perfection#liveonpurpose#choosewisely#haveaMaryheartinaMarthaworld”]
Because God knows our hearts are vulnerable. After all, how many of us have bought into the lie that doing equates living? That accomplishing equates worth? That production equates perfection?
When our calendars lack white space, our time and resources are given over by default to that which might be good, but may not be the best. What is it that we’ve inadvertently exchanged for involvement in the pursuit of online connection, appearances, or the-ever-challenging-issue-of-pleasing-others?
Perhaps we neglect our physical health. We allow ourselves less sleep, work longer hours and eat breakfast leftovers from our toddler’s high chair tray.
Some of us shrug off the state of our emotions–certain we’ll address those inconvenient needs when its necessary. Meanwhile we’re bombarded by Pinterest perfection and false Facebook connections. The news assaults us with its relentless reports of terrorism and trafficking, disaster and death. We begin to wonder if the next generation of people will be able to change anything.
Others of us struggle to maintain our spiritual health. Church becomes another necessary activity that crowds a full week. Prayer becomes more penance than priority. Time in His presence suggests our absence in another area of life and worry wedges its way into our thoughts despite best efforts.
Limited by Talent
As a young college woman, I enrolled in Introductory Art. Though I made multiple attempts at creating a still life art piece with chalk, I failed miserably. Despite my best efforts to sketch a self-portrait, I drew instead something akin to The Scream. A diligent student, I lacked any talent for sketching–despite my optimistic outlook and my professors patient coaching.
[bbctt tweet=”The Father did not create each of us to possess the same skills or talents. We are designed to be people who need.People who need each other.People who need a Helper.People who need Jesus.#livingabalncedlife#intentionalliving#livingforHim”]
The Father did not create each of us to possess the same skills or talents. We are designed to be people who need.
People who need each other.
People who need a Helper.
People who need Jesus.
In being incomplete, unable or ill-equipped we begin to perceive the importance of the Church. Of the Holy Spirit. Of Jesus’ perfect love, peace and mercy.
Friends, we will never be the perfect wife, mother, or woman. He has limited our natural abilities in order that we might rely on Him–the Almighty who is the “one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all.” (Ephesians 4:6 MSG)
Can I share a personal struggle? Maintaining balance is a challenge for me. It may be difficult for you, too. But the truth is that an over-the-top, out-of-balance life is not just unhealthy, it is unholy. Psalm 127:2 explains, “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?”
Our time and talents may limit us, but He is limitless. We can rely on Him to meet the needs of our dear ones. To attend to the smallest detail of our lives. To pour Himself out for us when we have nothing left to give. And because of His inexhaustible power, we can rest in peace.[bbctt tweet=”Let’s choose the best rather than the extraneous and living instead of busyness.#noteverythingisprofitable#choosethebest#notjustbusyness”]
Can we agree to set aside our burdens today? To meet with the Master? To prioritize and analyze? Let’s choose the best rather than the extraneous and living instead of busyness.
Grace and peace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following:

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