Too much of even a good thing can throw us off balance in
life. Look at what has happened to many people who have achieved great wealth
or fame. It throws them off balance. I recently read about Jordy Nelson, a wide
receiver for the Green Bay Packers. He signed a 39 million dollar contract with
the Packers, but he still works on his family farm during the off season. He
puts in 12 hour days on the farm, which shows he is trying to maintain balance
in his life, rather than letting fame and fortune throw him off balance.
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore
be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16. Chris
Tiegreen, in At His Feet, explains that the opposition from the
Pharisees was like the ravaging wolves. The disciples looked to their Shepherd
for protection. “Today, we face similar hostility, and like the disciples we
are not to be sheeplike in our attitude, but prudent and sensible. We are not
to be gullible pawns, but we are not to be deceitful connivers either. We must
find a balance between wisdom and vulnerability to accomplish God’s work.”
I’ve posted this Irish blessing before, but as I think about
the balance needed in life, I think it bears repeating. This blessing is a good
reflection of God’s character, and his hopes for us.
This blessing is all about balance, asking for just enough, not
more, just enough.
Enough happiness to keep you sweet with enough trials
to keep you strong.
Enough sorrow to keep you human with enough hope to
keep you happy.
Enough failure to keep you humble, with enough
success to keep you eager.
Enough wealth to meet your needs, not more, just enough.
An Irish Blessing
May your joys be as bright as the morning,
and your sorrows merely be shadows that fade in the sunlight
of love.
May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
enough trials to keep you strong,
enough sorrow to keep you human,
enough hope to keep you happy,
enough failure to keep you humble,
enough success to keep you eager,
enough friends to give you comfort,
enough faith and courage in yourself to banish sadness,
enough wealth to meet your needs and one thing more;
enough determination to make each day a more wonderful day
than the one before.
