Rhythms vs. Balance

One of the most popular words that I have heard regarding making life 'work' is BALANCE. Makes sense. The problem? Life changes too much, the scales tip, then I have to redefine what balance means almost on a daily basis.

During The Elephant Room, I heard the term RHYTHMS. I like this better than balance. Life comes like tides do, but not as predictably. Therefore, we must grow our capacity to flex and stay wise regarding how much is too much as well as how little is too little. Vanessa and I have learned to communicate well regarding rhythms. Some seasons of life and ministry are just far busier or far simpler than others. For instance: December, Easter season, and September/October (fall kick-off) are always insanely busy seasons. Some weeks will include another week night meeting or a weekend meeting (or two or three). We communicate about them beforehand. We make sure to block out family time and make it really count when we are together.

Several Thursdays mornings ago, the Lord really opened my eyes about several things in Mark 6. One was rhythms. Just check out this order of events: Jesus is rejected by those He grew up with in Nazareth, He sends the disciples on their first mini-mission, one of His best friends (John the Baptist) is beheaded because he spoke the truth, the disciples come back and Jesus tries to get them rest, but 5000 people are ready to be taught and Jesus feeds them in several ways, Jesus retreats to a hillside but notices the disciples struggling on the water in a storm so He walks to them to rescue them and teach them about faith, then Jesus heals sick people that everyone hurried to bring to Him.

The tide was in. Little sleep nor extended time in prayer, extensive and diverse types of ministry, utter heartache then joyful teaching, all while physical and spiritual needs were multiplying in front of Him.

Rhythms is an important reality that can help circumvent burn-out. If you recognize something is a rhythm of busyness, you remain determined to stay on top of it and not get crushed. Otherwise, a rhythm looks like a mainstay. Then complaining starts, excellence wanes, bitterness brews and the exit door looks lavish. Expect rhythms. Learn to communicate about them with the ones you love so they aren't blindsided. Expect rhythms. Communicate well. Work hard. Play hard.