The skies are beginning their fiery pink and orange drama, as my neck cranes to take in the beauty before me. My whole body making careful effort to maintain a delicate balance in the kayak, so as not to tip in the frigid water. Dipping one side of my paddle into the water, with clumsy rhythm yet giving my attention to making forward progress. Careful to not glide into the lily pads, I set out to experience the full body of water available to me. Right, left, right, left. Oh wait, paddle hard to the left. Stop! Paddle up, coasting, gliding on rippled waters. Soaking, in the now glowing hue of the changing trees. Ears straining in hopes to hear the call of a Loon, it’s distinct cry, somewhere in the woods nearby. Glancing to the right, the view is even better, finding I must turn there. Paddle again, quickly trying to reach the west facing shore. Stroke, stroke stroke, glide. Resting again, yet painfully conscious of engaging myself to the steadiness of the water craft. Inhale, closing tear-filled eyes, the beauty of this moment is tangible, the Creator’s presence is truly here. With a renewed readiness, applying effort to fulfill my original, desired journey, but then weeds of the water taunt me when my paddle gets ensnared. Stay focused, be very present, pay attention, don’t miss this moment! Too much to embrace as the brilliant ball of light makes it’s way higher in the wispy, cloud-filled sky.

Life, lived on purpose, is akin to a water paddling sport. We envision, in our mind’s eye, this smooth, rhythmic stroke, but the day to day more often reflects a frenzied, harried panic, barely tipping into disaster. God, spouse, kids, school, work, health, food, home, friends, committees, sports, volunteering, reading, Netflix binging, email, top 5 social media apps, BREATHE! This list only scrapes the surface of responsibilities. Balance, is this actually achievable? At what point can we attain this espoused aspiration?

Many have broadcast the key to success in finding their life balance, and I have taken pages of disjointed, hopeful notes. Plans have been made, but I found failure or rather a dissatisfaction where I was sure happiness would commence. When I went to the Word of God to find what it would say, it was there I discovered there is no word with shared meaning to be found in Scripture. I look to the life of Christ and instead I see zeal with patience, accomplishment through surrender, laboring for rest, truth with love. At first glance it may seem that this would lend itself to contradiction. How can a man feed five thousand, perform countless miracles than could ever be recorded, calm storms, yet take time to lock eyes and tenderly speak to all of those He loved in the midst of these profound moments?

He was fully present. Mindful of eternity at hand yet utterly aware He was to bring heaven here on earth. Not even comparing one second of His work with anyone else around Him, doing everything through, for and to the glory of His Father.

I try to grasp the fullness of truth in His Life message. My mind barely comprehends, but I yearn to embody this remarkable beauty. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Christ we will never be, but He lived here, among us, over two thousand years ago to show us what we should model our lives after. Fallen, failed humans, but redeemed by His grace and forgiveness. “Now go, and sin no more.” We can, with renewed vigor, apply whole-heartedly to the tasks before us, not obsessing who might beat us to the finish line, or living in fear of missed opportunity. Instead, embracing the imperfect process, taking time to look hard into the eye of those He has given us for this shared journey; loving, living well.

Paddle hard my friend, then pause, inhale the precious display within view. You might feel unbalanced, the craft barely steady as you make your way. For a stretch of time, you might just be paddling on one side only to find you must paddle harder on the other before disaster overtakes you. Don’t be tempted into believing the lie that everyone else seems to be drifting along, totally unaware of the unseen challenge you’ve been presented. It’s merely their moment to survey what is lovely in their view. Would you get on this lake of life with me, calling out to me to ‘notice’ when my sight gets too narrow? Let us take joy in this journey, giving our all, yet rendering our full attention.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Col 3:23