Five Minute Friday: BALANCE?!

Today's Five Minute Friday prompt is one I have wrestled with for years.

I have concluded: looking for, pursuing and seeking BALANCE is a waste of time.

I've spent more time trying to do that than being present. In life. What I've found in trying to find BALANCE is I spend more time wondering/worrying if something I'm doing or not doing is the right thing. Spending time trying to find BALANCE is like standing in the middle of a teeter totter while kids, church, school, dog, neighbors, friends, family and whoever else, jump on and off of either side randomly and with varying intensity. That is not a wise place to stand, as far as I'm concerned.

Snagged this from Google

I'd rather be on one side, adjusting as needed to the ups and downs as they come, being fully present in what is - which I believe is way more valuable and effective not only for my heart and mind but for the people around me.

And then there's this...

“I can confidently say that stories of pain and courage almost always include two things: praying and cussing. Sometimes at the exact same time.” ― Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone

This book changed me. It gave me permission to do exactly what I wrote above. My faith was strengthened, my trust in who God created me to be and what He built me to say was reinforced so I can be fully present, regardless of what happens, making the need for BALANCE irrelevant.

Motivate - Who or What?

It's time to get back to my keyboard and write with the Five Minute Friday group again.

This week's word: Motivate

I've been pondering what motivates me for weeks, actually, probably years.

Most often I come to the conclusion that I am over-motivated or under-motivated.

Which brings up one of my favorite movie quotes: "If you can be overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, can you ever just be whelmed?" (From Ten Things I Hate About You)

Over-motivated - so passionate about setting and meeting goals, the agenda, and schedules that relationships and people become unwelcome interruptions.

Under-motivated - permanent butt print in the couch, watching fake lives of other people doing things you wish you could but can't find the gumption to do it.

What about being motivated by God? - not by fear, what your family and friends say, the person in the gym says, the shrink on tv says, but by the beat of the Heart of the One who created you?

What if the Great Motivator wants you to BE.

BE honest with yourself that how you feel should not be the only indicator for what you do.

BE wise in your day to day choices on how you spend your time, money and talents.

BE present for your family and friends regardless of whether you know what to contribute.

And my favorite --a quote I found on my friend's Instagram this week:

BE the type of person that no matter where you go or where you are, you always add value to the lives of those around you.

That's the Heartbeat. Jesus added value, contributed His presence, and chose to do what God asked of Him regardless of how He felt.

I will BE motivated by the ultimate Example.