Finding a balance

As a society, we are 'out of kilter, broken down, scared and unable to believe that

our ideals are feasible.'*

Wow!  That might cause you to lose what little balance you have, or for you, it might finally describe the fractured disconnect of your world.  Either that perspective causes you to run for the security blanket of 'How Things Ought to Be' or possibly it reflects the trepidation you have about where we are going as a society and how we are going to get there.  Somehow you know there is no stopping it.

At the same time, you are trying to raise a family (i.e. socially acceptable children who will one day be independent) and hold on to a job that is shifting from year to year.  Your life looks a great deal like your parent's life must have, and yet you know it is a whole new world out there.  The word 'pension' will soon have as little meaning as an old 'hi-fi.'  If you think about it all too much you get a headache; motion sick from the merry go round going around much too fast.

'Finding a balance' may be the primary source of spiritual seeking in our times.  Finding our place in the world; a place that fosters life and growth and joy; finding a place where our desire to be compassionate and kind can be expressed; finding a place where others share this same perspective.....finding a balance for ourselves and our families where our values can be expressed in a world that makes people dizzy with its spinning....often looks just out of reach.

How does your faith help you find a balance between now and the unknown?  Trust in the future?  Make it through the 'valley of the shadow of death'?  Bring life and live life?  Teach your children how to love?

These are tough questions.  We can tell the story of Jesus to everyone, but it will remain but a story if we cannot help our neighbors figure out how Jesus intersects with the craziness of their lives.  Folks want to know about you - your story, the realities of your life, and where Jesus walks with you.  They don't expect you to have answers - they just want to know about your journey. 

Tell your story.  Don't flinch - just tell it.  Don't ask for anything in return.  Offer up your story and invite the Spirit to be at work.