Finding Balance

Balance.  How do we ever find it?

For instance, right now I am attempting to learn to weigh the measures of discipline and grace. How much of each is enough? How much is too much?

I find that this issue of balancing grace vs. discipline seems to find its way into my life each time BigGuy and Bird push for more independence. I realize that since they are only seven and five that this push is nothing like what I will face in the teenage years. However, any parent knows that any movement causes upheaval in the usual balance of power.

So, what is a parent to do, especially when days are filled with the pendulum swinging from sweetness to pushing the limits? Where do we go when the balance in our lives seems gone?

To God’s Word.

In my quest for answers, I looked in the Bible specifically for the word “balance.” I found no answers regarding the “balance” for which I was looking. However, with a little nudging from God, I found other answers. Maybe they will help you as much as they helped me.

These are the two answers.

The first is to pray for wisdom.

James 1: 5 states “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” This sounds like the perfect place to begin finding true answers. After all, why not ask our Heavenly Father for insight into the situation. He is our holy parent.

The second answer I found helpful was to cling to James 1:2-4.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of my faith “not lacking anything.” If God’s Word promises that trials help me be mature and complete, I have to hold fast to that truth, no matter how much it hurts. I also have to believe that God is doing this same work in my children, too.

With this in mind, maybe we can find some balance soon.

Comments

[Mar]

YOU are a very wise woman & God has shown that His word is truth!!! Love you!!!

[alicia]

I am struggling with this exact same thing! Especially with summer around the corner... thank you for sharing God's wisdom. I will hold on to it tightly.