In recent weeks, I have felt out of balance. When my schedule is disrupted, I don’t engage in my Bible studies, and I skip going to the office to work on essential tasks, one thing leads to another, and I find myself spiraling downward. I feel awful, struggle with sleep, and experience anxiety. It’s like a flood of negative thoughts washing over me. I get so upset with myself, which only makes things worse.
I’ve been feeling off-kilter and out of balance, and that’s not healthy.
So, what do you do when you find yourself out of balance?
Mark Bormann shares a Sunday devotional where he tells a story about an old 4020 tractor that a man bought at an auction. The gentleman retired the tractor, polish it up, and not use it for daily work in the fields.
Mark reflected on this story and realized it resonated with him. He described his own life as akin to a working tractor—engine running, tires worn, and heavily loaded—constantly trying to get everything done and solve other people’s problems, not just his own. He performed some maintenance, but he never truly slowed down; he ran wide open. He would change the filters but neglect to check the oil. Often, he hoped the tractor would hold together just long enough to finish the job.
That’s when the phrase “maintenance over motion” began to resonate with Mark. Motion alone doesn’t guarantee progress; it merely wears you out. And while maintenance is important, it won’t get you far if you don’t regularly engage in productive work. You must find balance.
A key point he made is crucial: when you treat yourself like a machine day in and day out, you need a maintenance plan. Otherwise, you’ll start to wear out, bit by bit. It may not happen all at once, but gradually, a bolt comes loose, a gasket slips, and before you know it, you have leaks—physically, emotionally, and relationally.
We all need a maintenance plan. We need a strategy in place before we break down. It’s important to have systems that help us function more effectively. We need to stop, change the oil, fix the brakes, add windshield wiper fluid, or inflate a flat tire.
I had an “aha” moment: I needed a maintenance check to get back in balance.
One thing I love is yoga. A few weeks ago, Krystal guided us through standing and balancing exercises. You might not think it’s easy, but it can be quite challenging. She always tells us to focus on something that is constant and stationary. When you find that point to gaze at, it becomes easier to maintain your balance. If you start to look away, you lose your equilibrium.
I realized that achieving balance is something we should strive for every day.
In yoga, we attain balance by focusing our attention. The verb “focus” means to see clearly, pay particular attention, and concentrate.
The word “focus” reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, Hebrews 12:1-3:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus” means focusing our attention on Him. This involves looking to Jesus as the ultimate example of faith and perseverance rather than getting sidetracked by worldly concerns or our limitations. We can draw strength and encouragement from Him to overcome challenges and temptations.
Just like in yoga, we must focus on a constant to stand without falling over. When we turn our focus to Christ, we find our stability; He is our unwavering support. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is the first part of our maintenance work—it’s the motion that sparks the maintenance.
So, this week, keep these thoughts in mind to find joy and remember that fixing our eyes on Jesus will help keep us balanced and maintain a healthy version of ourselves:
1. **Show up for Jesus** – Start your day in the Word.
2. **Show up for others** – Serve others, whether they are similar to you or not, even if they annoy you or you struggle to understand them. That’s what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.
3. **Show up for you** – You need to fill your own cup before you can help others fill theirs.
We will find joy when we show up for Jesus, others, and ourselves.
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
Have a great week! Love to all!
Cupcake
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