Balance. /noun/ an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements; mental and emotional steadiness; a means of judging or deciding[1]
I like design. I’ve played with it a few ways professionally and now more simply. One of the core principles of design is balance. I’ve been told that solid design doesn’t overwhelm the senses unless it’s meant to provoke. Even with provocations there needs to be a place for the eye to rest, the ear to resolve, the touch to mellow, the palate to savor. Balance.
Balance isn’t necessarily even on both sides. Asymmetry is welcomed provided that there is enough empty space or breathing room around it. Balance isn’t necessarily minimalism nor is it about stoic constraints. It isn’t a formula to plug and chug mindlessly. It is certainly not the same for everyone. God is far more vibrant than that. I believe balance is knowing when “it’s enough.”
When a space [canvas, score, dish, etc.] is balanced it can feel_____________
Expansive
Inviting
Settled
Delightful
Engaging
Dynamic
Intentional
I’d like to point us to two (2) areas that I believe disrupt balance: clutter and distraction. I lift these balance “counters” as a way into inviting God to help us with life integration, emotional steadiness, and the ability to discern what is meaningful for us i.e., balance.
Clutter. I don’t like that word because it preys upon me. Tiny little piles of “I’ll get to it” can crowd around me with wagging fingers, “you promised.” But the minute I clear what is no longer useful, then clarity and throngs of angels singing arias show up seemingly effortlessly. Balance.
Of course I’m thinking of not only piles in a room, but I’m also considering the piles of unresolved life events that I’ll sort through “eventually.”
Could it be that balance is letting go of what no longer serves me or gives me life? Could it be that balance isn’t a heavy lift but clarity on where the empty spaces, breathing room need to be?
Jesus responds to my burdensome clutter:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[2]
Distraction. Balance has focal points. Distraction does not. When I’m distracted, my attention and energy are all over the place. I can easily work myself into a tiring frenzy when trying to give all life activities simultaneous effort. Read: Multitasking is a myth. When I am distracted, I’m thrown into a tailspin by how to hold the mess inside my house, outside of my door, across the street, and around the block.
Could it be that distraction proves successful to keep me from acknowledging my God-enlivened gifts and talents? Could it be that if I keep myself busy, then I have a good reason for ignoring God’s call to contribute those gifts and talents towards a beautiful, fulfilled life for me, my neighbor, the world? I mean–is God really going to make good on promises?
Isaiah says this of God, “The confident mind You guard in safety, In safety because it trusts in You.”[3] I can trust that God will hold me steady while I more confidently answer God’s call.
I leave you with this prayer to God, our friend:
Friend,
I admit that I have a few piles of clutter.
I can attest to filling my life with all of the things that divert my attention from loving myself, my neighbor, and You.
I need You now more than ever, because ruminating on the things that need to be sorted, settled, healed can render me anxious.
You have not given me the spirit of cowardice or timidity but that of power, love and a sound mind.[4]
I invite You to the spaces that have been long neglected and out of balance so that I might know the promises that come with Your steadfastness.
Thank you in advance.
May it be so.
[1] “Definition of Balance,” Merriam-Webster, accessed January 4, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance.
[2] Matthew 11:28-30, NRSV.
[3] Isaiah 28:3, Jewish Study Bible.
[4] Paul of Tarsus, “2 Timothy 2:17,” in The Authentic Letters of Paul: A New Reading of Paul’s Rhetoric and Meaning: The Scholars Version, ed. Arthur J. Dewey (Salem, Or: Polebridge Press, 2010).