Good Evening, God
I think, God, that taking good care of ourselves might be one of the biggest challenges we have. It is for me. Our loving daughters do assure me I am making progress. But, I want to do better.
Better? Why better, when I have such a good and, I fear, privileged life? I guess it seems to me that part of the fun of life is seeing if I can’t get the “Balance” just a little bit better. All the while understanding that balancing — such a rich assortment of responsibilities and opportunities — is a privilege. And, now that I think about it, I am not sure what better is — certainly not doing it all!
Just yesterday, I had been thinking I should upgrade my Wife App to include acting as a Physical Therapist for balance issues. But, upon chatting with a friend I realized a good physical therapist requires more authority than is usually available to wives. So, we are seeing our doctor to see about a “prescription” for physical therapy. Correctly ascertaining my limits is an ongoing challenge.
And limits come in many forms. How much of my resources can be shared? Time, money, energy: all of these are limited. More for myself means less for others. Yet, if I fall below a certain level of well being, then functioning in my assorted “roles” takes a hit. No easy answers . . . it is all about continually reassessing the balance. And accepting limits.
But one “investment” that has been helping me is doing two Centering Prayer sits a day. Sitting in silence — with the intention to welcome Your Indwelling Spirit, God — becomes more and more helpful. My soul feels like the soil on Masanobu Fukuoka’s farms. It is becoming healthier and more fertile as I continue.
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
First of all, Margie, I’m always so happy to hear how mentally and spiritually refreshing Centering Prayer is for you! I am hoping that when next I’m with you there will be another opportunity for me to experience this myself (though as you point out, it takes time to reap the full benefits – like most things worthwhile!).
Secondly, balance! SO important! Every time I get into a conversation about politics, for example (which I try to make seldom!), I always come back to the importance of maintaining balance. This is actually a very central Benedictine precept, encapsulated in the “motto” (not quite the correct term, but..) “ora et labora.” Work and Prayer. A balanced day (with a bit of “holy leisure” thrown in too!) (Not to mention, during Lent, everyone is given a book which they are expected to read – some penance, eh?!)
And thirdly, when you mentioned balancing your responsibilities to yourself as opposed to your responsibilities to others, I thought immediately of the airlines admonition which I’ve heard a thousand times and you too, I’m sure, about how in case of loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will drop down, and when it does, PUT YOUR OWN ON FIRST AND THEN help your child!! (When Southwest was a bit more carefree, one announcement I heard was to the effect that “if you have more than one child…what were you thinking?”). But the point is, to be able to help other people, you have to be capable of doing that – so you must take care of yourself first! Again, the balance – knowing where the one ends and the other begins.
Sorry – but since we’re on the topic of balance, including the physical too – I can’t end without putting in a plug for yoga! The right class, of course! 😁
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