Balance.
It’s the one word prayer that I came home from our family beach vacation whispering.
In a world where most of us overindulge and seek more and more of the good life, I say, “Lord, give me balance.”
Preparing to leave for our vacation time takes some preparation on my part. I am the planner of the family. I locate the place, make the reservations, pick a time to leave, coordinate our work schedules and our children’s schedules, pack the bags, prepare the car for all our needs and at the end of it all I feel like I am definitely ready for a vacation!
It’s a balancing act.
In the moments before we depart, I wonder. What am I forgetting?
The cat? Check!
The thermostat? Check!
The lights? Check!
As I grab the last few items from the kitchen table I know that whatever I leave behind will not be sorely missed. And if need be in this world of Walmart, Dollar Tree and grocery stores we are able to run around the corner to grab what we “need”. Unless it’s a trip to Okracoke or Sunset Beach! Then you realize that you can live without eight pairs of flip flops and seven scents of body lotion!
Balance.
When the car pulls into our destination and all our “essential” belonging are unpacked I spy that one place I know will provide my balance during our vacation frenzy. That one place that I found last year on the early morning rise when all other heads stayed laid in the bed. There it is, my little place for balance. The swing… an invitation to come…tucked in the shade…overlooking the sea…perfect sights and sounds provided by the Creator. Add one me, one bible, One Jesus. Balance.
I invite Him in to join me on my adventure to seek the kingdom first.
Before the feet are in the sand.
Before the hunt for my shells.
Before the trip to the seafood buffet.
Before the putt putt games and the shopping excursions.
Before I let the rest of the world enter and take away the balance.
He anchors my soul, sure and steadfast, He offers me rest, nourishment, peace, love, joy, hope.
So when the calls come in from the outside world, the world of ups and downs, twists and turns, and all that we let offset our balance I am attached. Attached to the anchor. My unwavering Christ.
