I think one of the hardest things in life is achieving godly balance. So many people in the world or in Christian ministry are imbalanced. People of the world work 12 hour days for money and fame. Christian ministers often do the same to the detriment of their health and families. It's really sad to hear of many full time ministers who love God and are so sold out for the kingdom, yet neglected thier spouses, children, or shortened their lives by never resting or finding a hobby.
In my personal experience, I have a tendency to overbusy myself and work far too hard. Well, in the past 4 years anyway. When I was younger, I was more laidback, careless, Sanguine...Things change. I think right now, it would be safe to call myself fairly driven, quite ambitious [not in worldly monetary way], and NOT laidback. I think I've pushed myself quite hard to be the best I can be. I'm grateful that I tried, at least.I do want to fulfill my potential in Christ. That takes discipline, pain and passion.
But I think God has been teaching me slowly and graciously: the art of rest. To value the Sabbath day[which is not Sunday for me], to FIGHT for the rest I need, to learn how to say no, to be peaceful in Him. I can exercise, eat well, sleep well, take short breaks, and NOT work 12 hours a day constantly like I did for the past 2 years. It was work, uni, ministry, work, uni, ministry NON STOP.
I was reflecting on today. I had a very busy day. An example:
In my personal experience, I have a tendency to overbusy myself and work far too hard. Well, in the past 4 years anyway. When I was younger, I was more laidback, careless, Sanguine...Things change. I think right now, it would be safe to call myself fairly driven, quite ambitious [not in worldly monetary way], and NOT laidback. I think I've pushed myself quite hard to be the best I can be. I'm grateful that I tried, at least.I do want to fulfill my potential in Christ. That takes discipline, pain and passion.
But I think God has been teaching me slowly and graciously: the art of rest. To value the Sabbath day[which is not Sunday for me], to FIGHT for the rest I need, to learn how to say no, to be peaceful in Him. I can exercise, eat well, sleep well, take short breaks, and NOT work 12 hours a day constantly like I did for the past 2 years. It was work, uni, ministry, work, uni, ministry NON STOP.
I was reflecting on today. I had a very busy day. An example:
- 9-10: breakfast and travel to southbank
- 10am-11: Spanish singing lesson
- 11am-1pm: Latin ensemble
- 1 -2:pm Concert to review
- 2- 3pm: Vocal Class
- 3-3.30pm: lunch break
- 3.30- 4pm: Go to sunnybank
- 4-7: Teach 5 kids piano
- 7-7.30: back to Southbank while catching up with covenant frens on phone.
- 7.30-9pm: rehearse originals
- 9-10pm: go home while rehearsing spanish singing with mp3
Crazy day. Did a lot of singing and arranging.
But last year, that was me everyday. Musicals, gigs[i still gig], evax, ETS, ministry in lifegroup, ministry in church, teach, teach, teach, uni, assignments, composing, researching etc.
I'm glad I've slowed down a bit. God is good. Life is .....:)
Comments
?Shock horror>
Charis! Does this mean you are going to take a . . . break?
Hehe.
I recommend ice-cream and lying on the grass looking at the stars.
Bon voyage on your quest for balance.
Love ya.