Five Secrets to a Balanced Life

No, it can’t be! I cannot be getting sick, not again. I gritted my teeth. But my burning throat mocked me.

After I called someone to take my place and teach ladies’ Sunday school, I dragged myself out of bed, head throbbing, chills and aches all over. I tightened the belt to my robe and shuffled slowly to the bathroom, looking for a glass to gargle with salt water.

I had already met my once-a-year cold for the year a couple of months ago. And now when my plate of tasks overflowing, back in bed again. UGH!

Then God’s outpour of love began. My friend Cindi took over, “No worries,” she wrote, “I’ll take care of that.”

And she did. All the technicalities on this end were in her hands. Then my friend Kimberly called and prayed for me, gave me practical advice. May called from Panama and poured her sweetness over the phone, my precious Mama made chicken soup. My daughter-in-law found some amazing herbal tea. Her mom dropped off some natural cold capsules. Hubby hugged and spoiled me.

How can a chica stay sick with all that lovin’?

By the third day, health smiled at me, I was ready to salsa my way through my tasks. But before I tackled the first one, I had to do an unpleasant thing—swallow a great big pill of reality.

This reality: When I’m well, I plop on the driver’s seat of life and press the accelerator. With my Latina head out the window, shouting, “Out of my way, got things to do.”

What a goof. No wonder, going at that rate, I’ll smash into illness, pride, or disaster. And often all three.

Here are five questions to ask and answer so we can not only avoid such calamity, but relish in a balanced life:

1. When we’re well, free from pain or discomfort, what is our approach? Is it gratitude and appreciation? I vote for taking a break: stop and pause to smell—not the roses—but the richness of God’s blessings. (Psalm 71:14-15)

2. Whatever task our nimble hands are crafting or activity we’re plunging into, is it something that will bring glory to God? Is the purpose one that will cause Him to smile and be pleased? Are the motives honorable? (Proverbs 16:1)

3. Is God’s wisdom driving our thoughts, actions and decisions we make in those sweet moments of health? (Proverbs 16:16)

4. What is the reference point to choose whether a task is a priority or not? Is it God’s Word and His precepts that decide what should take precedence? And, what order will bring the guarantee of a rich life? (Psalm 119:1-2)

5. And most importantly, do we carry His promises engraved in our heart so with our healthy voice, vibrant, heart, energized spirit, we can shout to the world that God is alive. He’s well. He’s in control. He’s observant. He’s ready to receive us as His own through His son Jesus. (Psalm 19:7)

“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand [Lord], your arm, and the light of your face, for you have loved them” (Psalm 44:3).

Father, thank you for humbling me in my flawed ways. When healthy, it’s not my tasks, accomplishments or success that brings balance to my life. But it’s your love that extends through the gift of life, the treasure of health, and the blessing of you living in me that ushers victory, true happiness, joy and balance. Use my healthy moments to bring glory to yourself. In Jesus’ name I ask.

• How are you feeling today—emotionally, spiritually?
• Are God’s promises carrying you through the difficult moments?
• How will you use your healthy days when they come back?

Janet