CELERY
I realized that a major part of my life’s success is finding the balance and making the right choices.
When we were born, God equipped us with the ability to achieve this balance – this harmony and order in our lives. This came in a package which I refer to as the Faith & Free Will Twins (FFWT) because one works alongside the other.
The Challenge
Unlike baby animals, we first learn to crawl before we can stand and take our first steps. It takes us several months before we can stand alone, balance ourselves, and start walking. But the more interesting difference between our four-legged friends and us is this. The fact that we usually achieve this feat when a trusted adult is around. We instinctively believe in the adult who encourages us to leap. We know he is there for us to catch us when we fall or to make sure we are ok.
I learned to ride my first bicycle in this same manner. It was one of my older brothers I love and trust who taught me. If he had not offered to teach me, I would not have known at the time if I was capable of riding a bike. He gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
Which Way am I Going?
I grew up following this pattern of making my choices and decisions based on situations I am comfortable in or with people I look up to or believe in. And by the time I reached my adult life, FFWT had become a ritual. I juggled my priorities. I continually faced balancing my time, money, and resources vis my family, work, friends, and other concerns.
Finally, there is a commitment to God. None are more challenging than these perennial questions I ask of me. How much am I allowing my God-given time, talent, and treasure for my personal satisfaction vs. that of others? Or how much do I actually need to live well vs. how must I simplify my life so I can give more of myself and become life-giving to others?
I may never get that perfect balance. But I have learned to look beyond persons and circumstances. I have stretched my faith – ready to embrace the bigger picture God opens up to me. In fact, he is the ultimate source of my confidence in the choices I make now and in achieving balance and harmony in my life. My faith in him and him alone is tops! And I will make darn sure I am headed towards his guidance and direction!