Balance & Restoration

As a family, we have five values: balance, authenticity, simplicity, genorosity and diversity. There are moments in life when I can lose sight of what is important and I can become jaded in my perspective.

When my schedule starts filling up and the "busyness" of life and ministry begins to take over, I sometimes need a remember of what balance is all about. I've seen many friends and family members fall into the trap of the Canadian rat race...the pursuit of more stuff...power, money, possessions, relationships and status. I too have found myself flirting with the grasp of what I'm beginning to call the Canadian dream!!

My family is a great source of balance for me in life. My wife and my kids help me to understand when I'm reaching my limits. My attitude and demeanor change, my values shift and my priorities begin to reflect this unhealthy realignment.

Yesterday was one of these reminder moments for my life. Sitting in staff meeting I began to feel burdened as I listened to my peers share their exhaustion with each other. As we began to pray for one another, I stepped out of the room to find my bible. Turning to Psalm 23, I read these words: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."

The word restore lept out off the page directly into my face and into my heart. Balance is about pursuing God. Pursuing God brings restoration for what is truly important. Meditating on what restoration meant for me on a personal level, I felt all the burdens and frustrations of ministry and life begin to melt away one by one. God, the restorer of souls, brings balance to those who desire to follow after Him and be obedient to His lead.

This is what is rockin' my world today...thoughts about balance & restoration.