Balance

from March 2020

Chickpea Salad

by David West H ow is your balance today? Are you thinking of walking a tightrope, holding a balance bar, and being high above the ground? Did you think of something less dangerous, like walking on a balance beam on a playground or riding a bike? While those thoughts might be entertaining, I want you to think about spiritual and mental balance. We spend our lives and energy pursuing happiness, satisfaction, and peace. Some believe daily actions are the key, and others feel certain prayers, sayings, or tokens guarantee these attitudes. We all have our particular ideas.

Many years ago, I learned a powerful lesson when I spent time in the Navajo nation with a Navajo pastor. As we discussed the Gospel, I talked about sin, and he talked about balance. We were discussing the same topic but using different vocabulary. I was intrigued. After much discussion, I had an understanding (very simplified) of the Navajo concept of balance. I began to share with those I met out there: not about sin, but about being out of balance with God, which is the end result of sin. The Navajo concept of balance, in my understanding, is that our thoughts and attitudes can either build up or tear down, make us “beautiful” or “ugly,” lead to happiness or sadness, and help us find a positive life path. Balance keeps us from being overwhelmed by the negative and gives us control in those times. A life in balance finds and follows a path (way of living) that reflects the best of life. 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 hold positive and uplifting thoughts. When a negative thought comes, pair it with a positive thought. The positive outshines the negative and gives energy and strength. The negative drains. That is why we must stay positive. The strength we find in a balanced life leads to happiness and peace.

So how can we find positive things? Try this. Philippians 4:8: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

What fills your thoughts? How is your balance today?

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 | 5PM - 9PM

SPECIAL GUEST BROTHERS MARK & DAN WITT OF FOLLOWINGOURFATHER.COM Dan and Mark were born in the small town of Meyersdale, PA. Their parents, Walter and Cathy Witt had 4 children that included an older and a baby sister. Mark and Dan were very close growing up and at early ages, enjoyed time with dad fishing or in the woods on a hunting adventure. During Mark's 1st deer hunt at the age of 12, Dan was 14, their dad was tragically killed in a hunting accident, an event that would change and impact each family member’s life forever. In spite of the hunting accident, both Mark and Dan continued to hunt, grow in their love for the outdoors, and sharing their faith in Jesus Christ.

COST: $15 PER PERSON TICKETS 1. Tickets can be purchased in person at First Baptist Cleveland at 1275 Stuart Road now through Thursday, April 2. 2. Online registration now through Wednesday, April 1 at www.firstbaptistcleveland.com. 3. From FWW Team Members.