The FoundationSample

Regaining the Balance

Devotional Content:

Balance is one of my favorite words, probably because I have to work so hard to keep my life in balance. Marriages are negatively affected by husbands and wives who are living chaotic, unbalanced lives. In order for a marriage to run smoothly, both a husband and wife need to regain balance in their personal lives.

Balance means keeping all the parts of my life in their proper places. It means giving priority to what matters most. For me, that means my relationship with God comes first, my marriage second, my family third. Life really runs great for me when I prioritize this way; and it really can spiral downward quickly when I do not. Often life itself and the demands that come to me each day knock me out of balance, so I have to take many “time-outs” to make sure that I am in balance.

What does balance mean to you? What are your priorities, and what prevents you from keeping them in the right order? Here’s a suggestion for balancing your life: Write out your list of priorities in the order of importance to you. Then make a list of all the things that can get you off balance. Keep your lists together in a place where you will see them often. Make a habit of taking a “time-out” each week to look at your lists. I think by doing that, you will be amazed how much easier it is to stay in balance.

Taking a “time-out” to set priorities straight is important for regaining balance in marriage.

Today’s Challenge:

Take a “time-out” today to begin adding more balance to your life!

Going deeper:

1. What does “staying in balance” mean to you as you live your life?

2. Is your life balanced today? _________ Yes _________ No.

3. What do you need to do to keep your life balanced or to put it in balance?

4. List your top four priorities in order from top to bottom.

5. What are the things that get you off balance?