The great debate continues. Is it really possible to have it all? An even better question is, "can we handle it all?" Given the pace and demands of living today, many of us are growing weary of unsuccessfully juggling multiple roles. We continue to sacrifice one aspect of life for another and our quality of life is suffering.
That was the story of my life. When I was a young girl, I dreamed of having it all: health, fitness, the perfect career, a loving husband, adoring children and community service. I believed I would have the time and energy to handle it all! I actually got all I asked for and more. However, this was no fairy tale ending. All of my successes came back to haunt me. Instead of living my dream life, it turned out to be a nightmare that ended in divorce. I had no time for myself, very little energy, and even less joy.
I struggled in every way imaginable to find balance and fulfillment. I was not prepared to live the life I dreamed about. It would take a major shift in perspective for me to overcome the barriers to really living my vision and enjoying my life.
One day, I had a major epiphany! At the time I was an executive coach and had been successful in helping employees create a shared vision with their company. I had seen first hand how overworked and disenchanted people began to truly align themselves with the corporate vision and suddenly felt engaged, enthused and energized about their work lives. I thought to myself, "If I create a shared vision with God, will it re-energize my life?" I gave it a try.
I began meditating on several verses from Proverbs 31. I had found a divine role model, a rare and valiant woman who juggled all her responsibilities with grace and dignity. I said the verses over and over again out loud and in my head. I saw myself living the vision:
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value…She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life…She gets up while it is still dark and provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls…She considers a field and buys it and out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard…She sets out about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the tasks…She sees that her trading is profitable, her lamp does not go out at night…She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes…She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
As I meditated on the scriptures, I stopped complaining. I stopped hoping things would get easier and instead asked God for more strength. A peace came over me that surpassed my own understanding. I was finally able to embrace with joy the roles that once overwhelmed me. This type of balance is about being poised with the gracious tact to cope and handle every aspect of life.
I am a very busy woman and still get overwhelmed at times. Yet, as I take time to meditate on God’s vision, I am constantly re-energized from the inside-out. I know without a doubt that in my weakness God's power is made perfect...and that is where my strength comes from!
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