2 Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God…”

Whilst searching for educational videos for my 1 year old to watch on YouTube, my eyes glanced upon an option on the bottom left corner of the screen. My intention was to sway my son’s attention to something else other than myself, while I completed other household duties. Of course this would mean I’d have to get everything done in a matter of 15-20 minutes, or at least try; poor little guy cannot focus on one thing for too long in spite of how exciting it may be.

So there I was, searching for a show to watch conscious of the two loads of dirty laundry, both baby’s and mine, the messy rooms, the sermonette I was to prepare the following day, the grocery list of things the baby needed, my worship set, all the notes I hadn’t yet read for school and the list goes on. Sooo many things to do with just the weekend to complete it all. Jesus Fix it!!

It was clear what my little munchkin wanted to watch as he anxiously started to hum his ‘ABCs’ and clapped in my hands, but that one little thumbnail kept calling me. Funny enough, I’d never seen it before. Oops I clicked it! And… for a few moments, I was engaged in deep reflection from a ‘TV’ show suited for toddlers.

One goofy looking guy clothed in all kinds of witty assortments and clashing colours, was juggling about 6 balls. Ball! Ball! Ball! Ball! Ajheri leaped from my arms and scurried towards the screen while screaming the word. “Yess balls!” came my reply with a brief applause and a chuckle. The juggler made it looked so easy; tossing one ball in the air as he caught another, over and over and over again. But that wasn’t all, while focusing on the balls, he was also singing and engaging his audience. AMAZING! He left those children on screen, along with my son and me, in awe and entertained.

My smile quickly became a frown when I identified with a little girl from the audience who wanted to try. At the first attempt she failed. She tried again and for the second, third and fourth tries she failed hopelessly. She frowned but was encouraged and made to believe that she will get there once she “keeps at it.” She then returned to her seat full of hope EVEN after myriad disappointing attempts at the skill.

Wow…

I too had been juggling and failing.

The failure manifested in the constant frustration that consumed me when I couldn’t complete all tasks that I set out to do. I had been juggling or trying to do too many things.

I had been juggling without balance…

“The orthodox answer is that you preserve the balance

at all costs, and gradually allow the juggle to improve

until the two begin to coexist So, if you feel you are losing control

, it is better to drop the balls (objects) and retain the balance than vice versa.

You will also need to remember to breathe.”

-R.H.

This quote can apply to LIFE! We parents are often caught up in the notion that we have to be superhuman. If we aren’t constantly busy, then we aren’t doing it right. How can we relax when we have children?? It’s impossible! Ahh but it isn’t actually, all things can be accomplished through the careful process of balance.

FIRST

We must accept that we’re human too and we have a much deserved right to relax without guilt.

THEN

We prioritize remembering to always include the source of our strength in our hierarchy of things to do on our to-do list.

FINALLY

We must acknowledge that time is of the essence and it waits on no man as so often heard.

WE MUST STOP wasting time on things that don’t matter!!

How much time do you spend on social media, away from your family? How much time do you spend doing work when you are at home? Does that cause your loved ones to be upset? Questions like these are necessary in time management.

Let the balls you juggle be juggled with balance.

I quietly snuck out to the laundry room while the juggler continued to entertain my “baba” and I took my device with me. While placing the clothes in the machine, I took the time to include God into my schedule. I played some worship music while I washed and that was all it took to give me peace. I felt refreshed from my exhaustion and the rest of my day ran smoothly. That estimated 15 minutes turned into 30. I guess God worked on Ajheri too!

We must understand that God is always with us. He is omni-present. He is in the car, in the TV room, laundry room, with us while we study because He lives in us and abides with us. Why then do we need to fit Him in if He is always there? Get it?

Here’s the gist:

God first → Family → Chores → YOU!

Balance! It will make life much easier. Write a schedule if you have to, write it down in your phone. Stick it up! Do what you need to, to find some balance…You can do it!

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Genesis 2:2-3 “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

Isaiah 41:13 “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

What are your thoughts about this post? Do you too find yourself juggling without balance and miserably failing as well? Let us know if this post has helped you to put things into perspective in the comment section below.

Reneika Bradshaw Parent Blogger

At 24 years old, Reneika has gained a wealth of experience as she traversed through the harsh ‘jungle of life’ throughout the years. Being a young mother and having to learn how to cope day by day, her journey up until this day, has been a bitter-sweet one. With a love and a passion for seeing people succeed, she has no reservation with using her stories to empower those who need to hear.

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