Happy Former Procrastinator Note: Please check out my article in the fall issue of The Virginia Home Educator – viewable online!
Several of you recently posted comments (Thank you!) that did not come through for some reason. I’m trying to fix that. Please, email and let me know. It’s much more fun and profitable to have you ladies chiming in with your contributions!
Karen sent her comment for “Ordering My Life,” August 22 via email:
“I am struggling with this post this morning, as I am realizing that the order and routine of our lives are sometimes NOT what our priorities should be. For example, my 89 year old father, who lives in another state, just had a fall and needed knee surgery. I feel called to the work I do at home, but also believe I need to break the routine in my work to go help him. People at home are depending on me to complete the work that I have promised to do. But my dad will need help when he can go home. How do I do both? I think you posted once on the importance of being available, and 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.”
Identify? I do!
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 week; 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 city calls for long term adjustment.
We try to restore balance. But we can serve well “out of balance” for a season. That’s God’s grace.
- 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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