Balance

Opening Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for another sunny day. The light and the warmth of the sun remind me of your presence. Help me to find ways to shine a little light and warmth on others today. Amen.

Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”

Message: It is difficult to maintain balance these days. One report tells us the crisis is slowing; another tells us we have not hit the crest of the storm yet. There are daily reports of heroism; of people sharing their gifts and resources to make others safer. On the other hand, there are stories of infected people purposely trying to infect others and of resource hoarders. Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes offers two sides as well. Exercises mare recommended to strengthen your legs, back, and core. Recommendations that help one achieve physical balance are helpful spiritually as well.

• Be aware of your current balance

• The New Testament consistently asks believers to be aware of the health of their spiritual selves.
• f Move in slow, precise movements
• There are times to be in a hurry, but taking steps that show a thoughtful, prayerful process might yield better results.
• Shift your weight from one leg to another
• You can’t carry it all. Bring your burdens to Christ. Find people with whom you can share the burden.
• Walk heel to toe in a straight line
• When I feel out of balance, I start to think and act scattered. I don’t walk in a straight line. Spiritually walking in a circuitous manner takes up a lot of energy, and while I feel like I have burnt off energy when I look back, I notice that I have not made very much progress.

As the writer of Ecclesiastes, as noted, there is a time for everything under the sun. Ecclesiastes doesn’t, however, say you are to experience both extremes at the same time. I encourage you to walk in balanced ways so that as your spirit grows it is able to provide support, comfort, and joy that will heal your body, your mind, and your soul. Please pray with me.

Closing Prayer: Lord help me to find balance. Remind me to walk in the paths of righteousness and to exchange my burdens for yours. Amen.