From my perspective, the whole concept of balance IS stress. Go stand on a fencepost. Feel relaxed? Here’s another way to look at it. Take a rope in each hand tied to two horses running in different directions. One horse is called life and the other is called ministry. If you dare to let go of one, the other will drag you to your death anyway. Again, more stress. I got used to saying no and found that the respect level went through the roof when I did, because it gave my “yes” much more value. I’m just wherever I am 100% and enjoy every moment of it to the fullest.
Drink deeply the life out of every moment. When you’re in the office studying, love every conversation, every turn of the page and plink of the keyboard. When you’re home or out with the family love every second of the experience. Love it intentionally. Love information, love learning, love rest, love people, love being in love with someone that’s worth loving. Love making them smile. Live abundant love and you'll find abundant life. There’s no other way to do this ministry life without becoming a workaholic, a lethargic loner, or broke and bitter theologian. Fun is a Spiritual gift. Exercise that gift often and people will always want to be around you.
So take those two horses of life and ministry and hitch them together and make them take you to where you want to go. That’s balance. You, in the saddle, holding the reins, enjoying your bride and kids, picking up people along the way, dropping off supplies here and there, and letting life and ministry work together to bring you where you’re going. And don't forget to enjoy the ride.
