Gò0dNews for Everyone
Balance
H
by David West
ow is your balance today? Are you thinking of
The Navajo concept of balance, in my understanding, is
walking a tightrope, holding a balance bar, and
that our thoughts and attitudes can either build up or tear
being high above the ground? Did you think of
down, make us “beautiful” or “ugly,” lead to happiness
something less dangerous, like walking on a balance beam
or sadness, and help us find a positive life path. Balance
on a playground or riding a bike? While those thoughts
keeps us from being overwhelmed by the negative and
might be entertaining, I want you to think about spiritual
gives us control in those times. A life in balance finds and
and mental balance. We spend our lives and energy
follows a path (way of living) that reflects the best of life.
pursuing happiness, satisfaction, and peace. Some believe
When we have balance, we will look inward, ask questions, and keep things in perspective. We are simply empowered to choose how we live. In today’s world, the pace of life is faster than ever, and each day is packed to maximum capacity. Words like “hyper,” “mega,” and “ultra” are attached to almost everything we do. From the time we rise to the end of our day, we hustle to get the most, the biggest, the fastest, and the best and stand above those around us. But in this busy world, many of us confess to deficits of sleep and rest, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and a lack of happiness. How is that possible? We have so many tools, and our technology is phenomenal; how is it possible to be lacking in these areas? The answer is balance. We need to
daily actions are the key, and others feel certain prayers,
hold positive and uplifting thoughts. When a negative
sayings, or tokens guarantee these attitudes. We all have
thought comes, pair it with a positive thought. The
our particular ideas.
positive outshines the negative and gives energy and
Many years ago, I learned a powerful lesson when I
strength. The negative drains. That is why we must stay
spent time in the Navajo nation with a Navajo pastor. As
positive. The strength we find in a balanced life leads to
we discussed the Gospel, I talked about sin, and he talked
happiness and peace.
about balance. We were discussing the same topic but
So how can we find positive things? Try this.
using different vocabulary. I was intrigued. After much
Philippians 4:8: “Fix your thoughts on what is true,
discussion, I had an understanding (very simplified) of the
and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and
Navajo concept of balance. I began to share with those I
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
met out there: not about sin, but about being out of balance
worthy of praise.”
with God, which is the end result of sin.
46 // March 2020
What fills your thoughts? How is your balance today?
