Day 20 - Balancing Act

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." Luke 10: 25-28

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring break is officially over and it's going to be a tough, exhausting week. I'm back at work, and this is the week of the play. So it's a good thing I've figured out some reliable and simply prepared meals.

That chicken-vegetable soup I made over the weekend will definitely make lunchtime easier, and my super salad is a great take-with-me dinner. In a large sealable bowl, I mix up chopped green onion, diced cucumber, crumbled bacon, chunks of cooked chicken an avocado, a handful of snow peas, some diced peaches and a few cherries, along with the dressing to act as a marinade. The lettuce and greens go in a separate bag so they won't get soggy before it's time to eat. And who knows when that'll be!

I'm needing to find a balance in my life. Right now that balance would be to keep an even keel with the many things going on, so that I'm not overwhelmed, not overstressed, not taken sick. I need to keep my work flowing, my energy up, and my mind intact.

Daily prayer and Bible study is a big help. I try to devote an hour or so each morning to reading God's Word, and relaxing in God's presence through prayer and meditation. If it's an especially busy day, and I have many things that need to be done, I ask God to guide my steps and remove all distractions so that what needs to be done will be done.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32: 8

And God does honor this request. I have to laugh, sometimes, though, as I sit down at the computer to write a story that's nearing its deadline, and think, "I'll just check my email first." HA! The internet server is down, and -- ta-da -- distraction removed. I immediately get to work.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30