Balance

My husband and I are both still relatively new to "adulting." Being able to choose exactly how you spend your time and money means you also become more acutely aware of what you need to thrive - body, soul, and spirit. We both think that the church should not only be a light to the world through selflessness, miracles, and wonders, but also a supernatural ability to do life well. We should exude more joy, peace, and love because we understand our identity as children of God. Of course, this transformation is a process that requires continual love and grace from our Father. I am not there yet, but He is teaching me more about what I need to live a balanced life. Specifically, there are two things He has shown me that I need: rest and fun.

Rest

Tyler and I both thoroughly enjoy our rest. We've learned that our bodies need about seven or eight hours of sleep to be happy. Our days are also markedly different if we start the day by spending some quiet time with God - whether together as a couple or apart. We also enjoy having plenty of time during the evening with no agenda. We desire the opportunity to be spontaneous - or just order fattening food and watch a movie at home. We try and complete our chores each week (laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.), but we certainly don't lose sleep if one of those things goes untouched.

During our time to rest and relax, Tyler and I enjoy simply talking and reflecting on life. During our late night talks, we share our struggles, breakthroughs, and questions. These talks help me process my feelings and better understand what I'm being taught through the week's events. Of course, we also need alone time to fully rest and reflect. We are both introverted, so alone time recharges us. It also allows time for us to talk to God individually.

Fun

Another key component of a balanced life for Tyler and me is fun and adventure. It can be as simple as going to the movies or taking a mid-afternoon walk. We do like to share with each other how our work days went, but we try not to take any remaining frustrations home or keep dwelling unnecessarily on what may have happened. We need a break from worldly constraints and demands, so our time is mostly spent sharing our dreams and lots of laughter. We also have fun traveling to new places and exploring new things. Some of our most memorable weekends were when we suddenly decided to canoe at a nearby river, walk around a new city, or go visit a state park we had never seen before.

Our fun times also include Tyler and I spending separate time with our friends and family. It's good for Tyler to go hunt and grill with his guys while I shop and get a pedicure with my girls. It even causes us to better appreciate our time together.

Sometimes I feel like rest and fun are seen as unimportant things in the kingdom. Daddy is teaching me how that is untrue. There is a time for work as well as a time for rest and play. God doesn't want us just pushing and struggling out of our own efforts. He is a God who brings rest and takes away burdens. He brings us to quiet waters and makes us lie down in green pastures. He wants us to live whole, balanced lives.