As another year was drawing to a close, I began to think about what my focus word would be for the coming year. One year was "transformation." Another year was "growth." So much has been on my plate this past year, I chose the word BALANCE for 2023. Then I started to really research the word....
We ALL have stuff. As I listed out mine to try and organize my mind and life, I could let it either overwhelm me or motivate me. I have my relationship with my God, my husband, my responsibilities in caregiving for my mom, Dixie, taking care of my customers and growing my business, personal development, relationships with six kids, spouses, eight grandchildren, big extended family, church family, friends, taking care of our home (inc. meal planning, shopping, gardening), doctor visits, exercise, Oletha/Fowler Farm & Ranch...and trying to have a life.
Balance. How? What does that even look like? Let's start with the definition.
"An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady."
"Having the right amount...not too much or too little...of any quality, which leads to harmony or evenness."
Then I checked the Thesarus and was surprised to see many of the words that correlated to balance.
Harmony, symmetry, evenness, equivalence, stability, steadiness, fairness, impartiality, composure, assurance, self-control, calmness, coolness, ease, tranquility, serenity, confidence, sureness, poise, dignity, presence of mind, collectedness, unflappability.
I could spend a day or more on each of those words! My word of the year ended up being rich in meaning and full of hope and promise. My prayer for these coming days and months is that I will consistently choose to be present in the moment, calm, poised, steady, assured...trusting in Him for strength.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
