It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through the year, but here we are in the middle of June! I know it’s been a while since I last wrote a post, however, if you’ve been following my blog, you already know that last month…I got married!
I do apologize for my absence, but I’ve been keeping pretty busy with wedding plans, and then trying to become accustomed to living with someone, which is a challenge in itself. I will say there will be plenty of new posts about marriage coming soon, but I won’t neglect my single readers, either. 😉
So much has happened within the first half of this year, in addition to our wedding. Four of my friends have had babies, my sister gave birth to my niece, and I recently found out that another friend has a baby on the way, as well. Needless to say, I haven’t had a lot of time to get to all those 2016 goals I raved about in my January post, although, I have started walking/running with the new hubby this week (i.e. exercise!) and I’ve started becoming slightly more involved in the worship ministry.
One of the things I’ve been struggling with this last month–one among many–is making sure I have time to read and think without interruption. I mean, how can I share things that I’ve been learning or that God has been revealing to me if I don’t have the quiet time that I need to reflect on such things? Lately, I’ve just barely had time to think and jot down a note here or there. Balancing home, work, church, and trying to take care of all those newly married details–such as changing your last name–have my head spinning. Nevertheless, you will not become my last priority, and I will learn to balance my time a little better.
So, married ladies, my question today is for those of you with full time jobs. How do you balance work, home and church (particularly if you’re an introvert, like me)?
Talk to you soon!
brokenredeemed 
I think balance depends on your own personal priorities and limitations. We often get caught up with the guilt or shame of “I should be doing more” especially when we spend time with people who seem like they have it all together: the job, marriage, kids, ministry, household, vacations, etc. I learned in the last 1-2 years that it just isn’t for every body. Balance by knowing your limits and accepting them as they are; don’t fall prey to comparing your limits to someone else’s. For instance, a single mother… A family who deals with either special needs or an illness… Or perhaps death… Job loss… Limited income… All these things are circumstantial limits that can be discouraging when looking at someone else’s seemingly “perfect” way of life. We cringe at the chick who always seems to get her workout in or eats perfect meals while we’re bloated behind our desks at our job that never seems to pay enough. BUT GOD. He sustains us and we are not consumed because of Him… If we can lose the distractions and remember to refocus on Him. It’s not always easy or automatic, but it’s a simple truth. I have struggled with so many different things in life that much has gone by the wayside… Including getting plugged into a new church. Part of it is my own bias because I miss ROLWC, but I am confident that I will eventually plug back in. I may not go as hard as I used to, I.e. Serving and teaching in more than 1 area, but I’ll at least attend and participate in worship. I do feel like God has allowed this time of transition; I don’t feel condemned for taking a break. So balance requires sorting priorities and not allowing guilt to drive your decisions. This past year has been about getting on our feet, securing jobs, taking care of the kids including a sick, hospitalized child, moving 2-3 times, and mental health/well being. Believe me when at first it was hard after being so involved with church for 7 years… Guilt was loud, but so far I have managed to accept this break/time of restoration. Manage or anticipate burnout before it gets you. That’s my best take on balance.
Yeah, lately, I’ve cut back on Wednesday night Bible studies because after a day of chatting all day with co-workers and vendors, I’m exhausted. Sometimes I do feel a little guilty, but by the end of the night, I’m so much more energized because I stayed in. I couldn’t make it through the rest of the week if I didn’t take a break or two to recover.