Sometime back, former procrastinators, a friend expressed a struggle we can all identify with – conflicting priorities. “I really struggle to find the balance between accomplishing work I love and that people depend upon, and interrupting that routine to care for someone in crisis.”
Sometimes our days or the routines of our lives do not reflect our priorities. And it may not be because of slothfulness on our part. Life brings priority-challenging demands. Maybe a new priority bursts upon the scene and we are needed. (A parent’s broken hip.) Crisis can mean setting aside priorities we prefer in order to answer a special calling. That need may pass or remain a long-term situation. We prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance about what is essential; we adjust our thinking and plans.
Without resolving this dilemma, I’ll share some thoughts.
- Sometimes, when we address a pressing priority, life will of necessity become out of balance. It isn’t possible in our humanness to handle some regular routines (even those based on priorities) when a higher priority requires immediate and all-consuming attention. We trim life to food, clothing, shelter and turn all other energies to the high demand priority.
The situation may pass quickly, last a long time, or become permanent. Perhaps we should adjust routines to allow for long term demands. Maybe Dad has to work late all month; we decide whether to continue to put kiddos to bed or let them stay up to see him. The redecorating of the office is short term; reassignment of the boss’s office to another time zone means long term adjustment.
We try to restore balance. But we can serve well “out of balance” for a season. That’s God’s grace. We utilize whatever routine we can for the time period. This helps us and family. We flex and give without spinning out of control.
- Some years ago I was counseled to consider whether or not the demand placed on me could be met by another person. If so, it might be more appropriate to allow another person to tend to it. However, if I am the only one suited to the job and in a unique position relative to the need, I could be the one who needs to step up.
Often our need to step aside from a commitment can bring forward someone whose abilities will blossom with the opportunity. Sometimes we discover that doing without something works out just fine.
How do you cope with health problems, moving, a new job or anything that throws routine off balance?
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