Juggling Act

I am a professional juggler! Yes, I know I am called to and paid for the title of pastor, but I have decided what I really am is a juggler. I should have gotten my degree in juggling instead of Biblical Literature. I juggle study, staff, budget, preaching, prayer, service planning, administration, counseling, conflict management, mentoring, marriage, 3 kids, an infant (as I write this blog with one hand I am changing a diaper with the other-serious), home upkeep, yard work, personal budget, car care, kids homework, and family time. On top of that I have dreams and desires I want to work toward and see come to pass. I am a professional juggler!

You are a professional juggler! Pastors are not unique. All of you have an equal number of responsibilities on your plate. Job, family, dreams are all juggled by each of you on a daily bases. Some of you have lists that make my list seem like a breeze.

The question is how do you and I keep balance in our lives with so many things we must juggle every day. It is a question I ask myself and others constantly.

Last week I went on a hike. As Tuesday came to an end I was feeling frustrated, burnt out and out of balance. I felt like I was keeping a few things airborne, but was dropping more than juggling. It was time for a recharge. This is the key to keeping the juggling routine successful. You must keep recharged.

In life, there are things that drain you and things that recharge you. If you are continually being drained and not being charged you will eventually be a failed juggler. Something or someone will become the victim of your depletion. Usually your spouse or your dreams.

So, I took a hike. You see I know what charges me.

        -I have friends that when I spend time with them I feel charged

        -I have activities that charge me (shooting, riding my motorcycle, hiking, yard work,  

          trips with my family, ministry travel)

        -Time alone with God not in ministry preparation

As I looked at my life and evaluated my drainage I came to the conclusion that what was lacking of the three was extended time with God. I just needed a word. I re-prioritized and off I went to take a hike. During the three hour hike, God charged me up and gave me the word I needed for this season.

Understand, you are your chief encourager. You are the person who is responsible for staying recharged and encouraged. No one else will do this for you. You have to recharge! Prioritize the things that charge you.

We are all jugglers! In order to be successful jugglers we must pay special attention to our battery level. Are you on full or empty? We must do the things that charge us in equal proportion to the things that drain us.

Love ya all,

PA