Walking a Tightrope

"Balancing a job and family is not the hardest thing to achieve, it's second. (Right after world peace!)"
-Barbara Dale

When we realize the enormity of the expectations we and others put on ourselves, we can be a bit forgiving of ourselves.

Well, I ripped off yesterday's calandar page to use as scrap paper this morning and the message is right along what I've been meditating about these days. And years, really.

Maybe meditating is the wrong word. More like: "Random thoughts while running around like a chicken with my head cut off."

Some time ago I clipped an article (I'll never find it even if I try looking) on the myth of achieving balance in life. What resonated with me is the reality that this push to be "super-person" -- parent, spouse, employee, hobby, church, ministry, friend, etc is completely unattainable. I have no clue how people do it without losing their minds. I almost lost mine yesterday but thankfully it showed up this morning at 7-11 on my way to the Mission.

Kudos to super-mom who works full time. I couldn't do it.

I guess this is a plea to simplicity. Does your child have to be in all the extra-curricular activities? Do you suppose that your main call might be to raising your children to live pure and Godly lives? There is no higher purpose.

I love the families that serve together. The ones that come and help Aaron serve the supper at the Soup Kitchen. Or the ones that come to spend an evening here, making Family Night at the Mission special.

You don't have to say "no" to as many things when you serve and play as a family. Turn off the TV. Do something together that will make a difference for eternity. Show them our obligation to the poor. Cook a meal together for your friend who is sick, and deliver it as a family while you stay and visit for 20 minutes. Find a pen pal family in another country and start emailing. (I can help you with this if you need help!) Do chores together even though it takes twice as long!

We have one special family that makes Christmas Stockings for us each year, instead of buying gifts for one another. Another family goes Boxing Day Shopping for us instead of spending money on each other.

And say "no" when it doesn't fulfill the call to your mission. That is, your family. If you can't do it together, you are missing opportunities.

My brother and sister in law had their daughter graduate this spring. Now they are making their life decisions based on how they can best serve the Lord as a twosome. Empty nest syndrome aside, they have shifted their priorities and recongized their call has changed. I think Rhonda would say the time went quickly and it was worth every moment of part time work (vs. full time) to invest in being a mom and avoid daycare.

And what a wonderful reward that her daughter has chosen a better way. She is committing her next year to full time missionary service. And her Mom is her best friend.

For more information on the topic of overload, see Richard Swenson's site. His books literally changed my life.