Have you ever struggled with trying to balance everything in life?
Do you go through seasons where you feel inadequate because you can’t seem to get everything done?
While looking at the life of others, do you find yourself dreaming you could have it all and do it all too?
I’ve read countless books and articles and heard a million leadership talks on if a person has enough talent, grit, and determination they can have it all. Whatever “it all” means to them – it’s theirs with just the right priorities mixed with some luck.
I’ve also read and heard the other side; how it’s not possible to have it all and that’s okay.
So we need to stop beating ourselves up over it and accept the life that God has given us.
The pressure is real for many. The struggle of balancing it all while desiring more weighs heavy, especially as we reflect on the holiday season.
I was recently spoke with a friend who expressed her struggle to get everything done for work, home, and church. All she wanted to do was come home and sleep and she felt awful about that. She expressed the difficulties of balancing everything and then questioned the dreams she had and whether it would even be possible to not only achieve them but to maintain them.
There’s this hierarchy we are taught: God first, then spouse, children, extended family, friends, career and so on. We try to fit your life into that structure but end up walking away feeling defeated and tired. Then, we feel there’s something wrong with us for not being able to manage it all.
The truth is: We can have it all and do it all.
But, we need to learn what God’s definition of “all” is first.
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
The reason that hierarchy stresses so many of us is because it is flawed. It’s near impossible to always keep everything in that order because things in life aren’t always consistent and predictable.
The reality is that some days your job may require more of your time and other days you spend that time investing in your marriage. You will go through seasons where a friend really needs you so you’re giving extra efforts there. Your children will have times in their life where they will need you more than others and the same is true with family.
With all the moving parts in life pulling us in various directions it’s only reasonable to give where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
When you seek Christ first, He will align everything else. He will give you the discernment and wisdom on where to spend your time and efforts and when. With His leading, you will feel accomplished knowing your doing what you can and feel fulfilled. The stress and worry of balance will no longer linger in your mind.
Having it “all” and doing it “all” doesn’t mean you have everything you want and do everything you want simultaneously. What it does mean is, you will have everything you need and what you have should be the results of seeking Christ first in your life.
When you allow Christ to set your priorities you won’t be stressed, overworked, or anxious about trying to do it all and having it all. Why? Because when you try to obtain something yourself that isn’t meant to be obtained alone you have no other option other than to feel inadequate.
Putting Christ first consistently will allow Him to add to your life according to His perfect will and timing. The discernment and wisdom on what to spend more time on will be there and your stress levels of trying to figure it all out will diminish.
Through all the seasons’ life takes you through, you won’t be working to exhaustion or striving for perfection. Instead, you will be taking each season as their own allowing Christ to set your priorities.
Rest in knowing that Christ will give you what you need today, His mercies are new every morning, and tomorrow is another day to allow Christ to set your priorities.
Matthew 6:34 says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s troubles is enough for today.”
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Heather Margiotta is a Christian Wife and Mother who has a love for relationships, adoption, spiritual growth, and helping others through grief. Heather’s life motto is “To love the life you live, by seeing the good between the chaos.” You can find her blog here and her Facebook here.