This is a post that I originally wrote in April of 2012, almost 6 years ago; and right now it’s a much needed wake up call. Between struggling with some health, as well as, life issues for the past few months, I’ve allowed myself to become distracted and left backsliding a bit. I’ve been struggling trying to write a follow-up to my last post almost 2 months ago, and have found myself looking at a blank screen and clueless on what to write.
So, I thought maybe I should reread some of my past posts and see if something doesn’t jog my brain awake. Well, when I read this past post reality hit me like a ton of bricks and I saw exactly what was going on with me. I hope maybe it will have the same effect on any of you who have been struggling with these same issues.
April 2012
Ah oh, you were doing so well. You were taking care of business. You had all your ducks in a row. You were picking it up and putting it down; and now all of a sudden, you’re not!
So, what happened?
You were spending quality time with God every day, exercising four to six days a week, eating better, watching less TV, reading more; and taking care of everything that needed taking care of. You were feeling great!
Now you’re struggling to slip in a quick prayer, you feel sluggish, stressed out, and can’t seem to find any time to exercise. On top of that you find yourself eating more, watching more TV; and regularly imbibing wine most evenings just to unwind.
So, again, what happened?
Modern life happened, and it happens to most of us. I will also add, as of current times, the red pill awakening that has taken place with many of us has been like a punch in the gut that takes ones breath away. I don’t know about you but I feel like I have mental whip lash from all that has been going on in politics and our culture in general. We have a depraved and lying media, we have hateful people who spew out vile and evil things against anyone who doesn’t go along with this politically correct culture, the absolute vilification of our duly elected President; “like him or not”, and the out right criminal acts being perpetrated by our own Government agencies.
We live in the time of the 24 hour news cycle with much of it being false, which leads us to a state of overload trying to make sense of it all. We’re bombarded with images and sounds all day long; many which are not edifying or helpful. We have our attention being pulled in multiple directions, and distractions everywhere. Then we stretch ourselves thinner and thinner trying to do more and more stuff.
Before we even see it coming we’re pulled off track. We get so busy putting out our personal fires that we lose sight of what’s really important in life like our physical, mental, and spiritual health. We become reactionary instead of focused.
After all we are imperfect people, who if not vigilant, tend to backslide and get off track from time to time. The question is, what do we do when we realize it?
Should we beat ourselves up; showering ourselves with insults and self-loathing. Should we surrender to human nature and consider ourselves defeated? Should we just give up and accept that living a balanced life is too hard?
I’m pretty sure your answer is the same as mine. NO!
So what do we do then?
First, we acknowledge that we are human and therefore not perfect. We also acknowledge that we got sidetracked, and that our past and current situation does not have to equal the future. We can get back on track.
Next we go to the scriptures for some encouragement and read something like:
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
38 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
God says nothing will separate us from His love, including our becoming sidetracked for a while.
God wants nothing but the best for us and will always help us put our lives back in order. He will however, not do the work for us. Which means, He will inspire us, but we need to sit down, reevaluate our goals and priorities; then make a plan and go to work.
Living a balanced life is not always easy; it takes discipline and work. Sometimes it means pushing ourselves harder than we feel like, and making decisions that aren’t easy or convenient. Sometimes it means denying the flesh, by going for a walk rather than sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of chips.
No matter what it takes though, being close to our Creator and living in balance is well worth it.
Please tell me what you think!
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