"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
- Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
Balance
"Live a well-balanced life." This encouragement has brought me more bondage than freedom. I understand the heart behind it, yet balance eludes me and its pursuit leaves me uninspired. I am not interested in a life of chaos or gluttony, but is balance really the alternative? Here is the definition of balance from Webster...
Balance - stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis; equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements; equality between the totals of the two sides of an account.
Feeling inspired? The concept of balance has application in life, but is a deficient model for life. I am a husband, father, friend, and pastor, but never those things in isolation. To pursue balance can put them at odds with each other.
There are also life experiences to consider; highs and lows, ups and downs, mountains and valleys. As I survey my life I am stirred by a longing for meaning that transcends balance. There is more going on.
Harmony
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Seasons", not working against each other, but with each other. Diverse elements woven together to create a divine unity. There is a beautiful interdependency, a harmony to creation that glorifies its creator. Through this lens, life takes on richer colors and deeper meaning. Look at Webster's definition of harmony:
Harmony - the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord; the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords; the science of the structure, relation, and progression of chords; pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts; correspondence, accord; internal calm
Now listen to the words of Jesus as translated in the message...
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
- Matthew 11:28-30
"Unforced rhythms of grace"...that is inspiring. That speaks peace and encouragement to a heart bored, frustrated, and tired with trying to keep all the plates spinning. Harmony points me to a higher calling; alludes to something larger than me. Not an impersonal force, but a loving, intimate Father shining meaning and purpose on the dissonant moments in life.
My soul now asks...So how does this take shape in daily life?
0 comments:
Post a Comment