Balanced?

February is a busy time of year for anyone connected to the approaching tax season. For me, from January 1 to February 28, there is a great flurry of making sure everything is in order and all has been entered before releasing the tax receipts and T4s, etc. It means many extra long days with crammed hours added to an already full schedule. This last week is like the homestretch of a marathon to get everything sent out by February 28.


Once released, I can pass the baton to those who are now shifting into high gear to process all those receipts and statements required to pay our annual taxes. Being from a family who have always prepared tax returns, February - April is blocked off as “Tax Season” and don’t expect any spare time until May.

We often have seasons where it seems like “when it rains, it pours” – one thing after another piles onto our already full plates until it is just too overwhelming. Where does it all end? There is hardly a breather until the next “Crisis” or “Emergency!” Everything is stamped “URGENT – you MUST deal with this TODAY!” (No rest for the weary!!)

In the midst of all of it, do you strive or thrive?

We have often heard “You must stay balanced” and “Prioritize” or “Don’t try to do it all yourself – Delegate!” Sounds great, but how realistic are they? In our fast-paced, stress-filled society, they very well may ensure your survival. There is a point that crosses the line into “too much” – “The straw that broke the camel’s back” or that last card that toppled the house of cards. The Juggler can only handle so many pins at a time – past that limit – they will come tumbling down.

God knows your limitations. Boundaries ARE necessary. We are to “Rest in Him” and make HIM your main focus. Seek Him first!! We CAN have “peace in the midst of the storms” of our lives. “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Fear robs our peace. Worry is a waste of time and energy.

God has made only 24 hours in each day. We must sleep and eat and make time for our families. Work can only consume a portion of our day. How important is what you are doing right now? Will it matter next week? Next month? Next year? If not, maybe you need to re-assess your priorities.

During a flight plan, course adjustments are necessary along the way to keep the plane on track and going in the right direction. If they are ignored, the plane will not reach its destination. We need periodic assessments and adjustments as well.

God wants you to complete your destiny and fulfill your purpose, but He also wants you to enjoy the journey – to make time to “stop and smell the roses” along the way. It is far too easy to get caught up in the “rat race” and swallowed up by the crowd.

There is a time to blow the whistle and call “time out!” Ask God – He will show you what’s on HIS priority list for you – the next leg of your journey. Then walk out HIS plan in HIS timing. It will never be out of balance and always on time. Make time for Him. You can’t afford not to. Sometimes – when overwhelmed – I feel like this bird below – BUT GOD puts things back into perspective and priorities become clear once again = BALANCE!!

Selah Y

Wordless Wednesday

The Crosswalk

Every once in a while,

a seemingly-simple email comes around

that ends up being quite profound.

This is one of them.

We complain about the cross we bear,
but we don't realize it is preparing us
for the "dip in the road" that God can see
and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!

I received this email and I have to pass it on. (I have no idea of its origin) It is profound. Can you relate?

We are each to carry "the cross" God has given to us. We often want the easy road - the one that takes the least effort and is pleasant or comfortable. We do not see how our heavy "load" (or burdens) are preparing us for what's ahead. We only see our own discomfort for today. (and often complain about them)

God DOES have a purpose and a plan. He gives us what we need for our journey. An athlete knows his coach is preparing him for the next level - pushing him, stretching him to reach higher/go deeper, challenging him to go the extra mile, testing his limits and building his muscles. We also should understand (and trust) that God is preparing us for what's in our future, knowing that HE will daily provide what we need for each season we walk through. Don't cast aside those things we don't think we need to learn.

The enemy loves to lull us into a false peace saying, "Don't worry - ALL is well - Relax!!" He sets the trap and waits for us to fall into it. God says, "Be alert! Be prepared - ready in season and out of season." He also assures us that we don't walk alone. He is right there - doing His part. We just need to do our part.

So when you feel God asking you to carry more than usual, don't argue with Him and justify why you shouldn't have to - Trust Him. Don't try to find the shortcut or the escape hatch - Co-operate with Him! Don't resist - Surrender to HIS plan.

Selah Y