How easy it is for us, through our own decisions and actions, to take our lives out of balance. It can almost happen without much effort. But the results of that imbalance can take us into a downward spiral, which if not addressed can turn our lives of meaning and purpose into one of confusion and darkness. Sadly enough, in an effort to take the path of least resistance as most of us do, we enter into a state of deception convincing ourselves that things are not so bad in our lives or in the world. Our lives are better than most and things outside of our homes are not our problems. We turn our attention away from areas of concern we should be focusing on further taking us out of balance, not only with ourselves but with the rest of humanity.

In scripture, Proverbs 11:1 states “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight”. Since we are not only physical beings but spiritual beings as well, this necessity to have balance of mind, body and spirit calls at us from our inner core. Without it, we struggle in all areas of lives; our relationships, our physical health, our finances; the list goes on. There is no peace to be found. The great thing is it doesn’t have to stay that way. True peace and balance is within our grasp!

Turning 45 this summer, which I am calling “halftime”, I have really been doing a lot of reflecting and taking inventory on my life as a whole up to this point. The one thing I have concluded is that there have been some major chunks of time where I remained out of balance; WAY out of balance! There were moments when I was young and felt good health wise, I abused my body in ways that would now kill me, yet I had convinced myself it was fine; no harm being done. Other moments when I felt like my relationships were in check and going well, I see now looking back how in most cases I was very self-centered being more of a taker than a giver. In my business, on a quest for success, many times I gauged my level of accomplishment by the wrong things such as how much money I made, how much recognition I received and my ego engulfed me. Now don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with being successful, enjoying your life and your relationships but your life will never truly meet its potential without balance; without striving on a daily basis to learn more, grow more, give more, be more and love more! And those things are impossible without Christ!

If you feel right now in your life that you are lacking balance, might I make a few suggestions. For starters, work on yourself from the inside out. Far too often we address the problems from the outside in whether it be an extra job to fix our financial struggle, a gym membership to work on our physical health, a dozen roses sent to the spouse to repair things from an argument; and while all those things in and of themselves are good, we still tend to not address the real issue; that being an imbalance within of spirit and of relationship with Our Maker! Focus on what is truly important; becoming the person God created you to be; align your priorities God, Family and others and seek daily God’s will for your life. If you do these simple things focusing on one day at a time; Christ will give you the strength, vision and clarity you need to make the right decisions, do the right things and move yourself into that balance He wants for you!