Equilibrium

Joy is found through maintaining a proper balance of all things in our life.

Reflections. They have this thing with staring you back in the face, showing the outward appearance of a lifetime of experience. When was the last time you just paused to look into the mirror to see the person that you  have become? And I'm not just talking literally, but figuratively as well.

The past couple of days have been all sorts of refreshing. Midterms have taken a break, work is going well, and I had a date with one of the sweetest, happiest people in the world. These are all pleasures that, unless we are reminded of them, often become overlooked in our overbooked schedules and frantic pace of life.

From these wonderful experiences I have had as of late, I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to reflect on the past and see just how far I've come. Things that were once millstones are now bricks upon which I have built my character and expanded my vision. Like I once read a long time ago, "If we are to enjoy the valley, we must first learn to scale the mountain."

With all this in mind, I've pondered a lot recently on the idea of balance and stability. What constitutes a stable lifestyle, one in which we can obtain the greatest level of happiness? Though I believe that this is variable among every individual, here are some of my thoughts.

1- Your inner commitment to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When everything is said and done, your commitment to live the gospel will ultimately determine the person that you will become. I read a quote today that really stuck out to me. It reads, "Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don't take time to study the words or Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?" Putting God first, when life and responsibilities are heavy weights on our minds, is a great act of faith. But, as we have been promised numerous times since the beginning of the world, as we put God first and live his commandments, regardless of what the world is doing, we will prosper and inherit eternal life.

2- Your experiences with others. Focusing on self-improvement is a worthy task. But, focusing yourself to improve the life of another is even more admirable. Not only that, but what types of relationships are you developing with people? Uniquely enough, I'm talking about dating (I know, a man encouraging dating. Weird.) Yesterday during our stake conference sessions, a member of our presidency spoke on the spiritual paralysis that comes as a cause of fear. In that, he identified some of the fears that we all have with taking the "big step" in our life. Now, I understand that we are told time and time again to quickly find the one and settle down. Though I've always been an advocate of taking your time to make sure you find the right one, it hasn't been until recently that I've began to see just how much of an impact one person can have on you and your spiritual progression. As I learned from my missionary days, there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than giving of yourself to care for another. But, as I was again reminded of this morning, make sure that God is still your number one priority.

3- Educational. Give it your best and be a learner, not just a student. Believe that you can succeed. Work hard, be diligent, and always remember that God wants you to succeed, too.

4-Physical. Yes, the rumors are true. I start training tomorrow for a half marathon. I'm excited but also a little leary at the amount of time that it will take every day to adequately train. Might I suggest finding a physical fitness goal? You know, something to spice up your life?

Ok, here's my confession: For a large portion of my life I have been terrible at maintaining proper balance in my life. But, I've now adopted a couple of statements that have really made a difference in my quest for balance. Here they are:

1- Learn to work smarter, not harder. 

2- Keep calm and carry on!

It is an exciting time to be alive! Never before have we had such an opportunity to create such an impact in the world. Don't look at experiences as disabilities or as barriers to entry to heaven, but look at them as opportunities to become the person you were born to be. Look at them with an eye of faith and joy, knowing that God loves you enough to give you tools you need to overcome whatever test is put in your way. Also, this is very important now, DON'T look to the past and long to live there. Now is the time to become who you can become. Now is the time to enrich the lives of those who are around you. Now is the time to be a positive change in an ever negative world. 

Find your balance. Try the scale. Show your faith.

And don't forget, nothing you do in this life will ever be done without help.

Roll On --Andrew