What are the Big Rocks?
Balance.
So many of us hear talks about how important it is to maintain balance.
We hear that when we find out what our balance is, we won't be stressed out, we will feel our best and do our best, and we might even think that being in balance will make us unshakable.
Well, I have to admit... I usually believe these things myself! But, I as I chat with those who are older and wiser than I am, I am hearing some different perspectives on the topic of maintaining a life balance.
At my University, we have a tight knit community between the students as well as faculty and professors. Yesterday, as one of my professors was taking me back to campus after a community event for entrepreneurs, I asked her how she maintains balance.
"Mrs. Lewis," I prompted, "I know that it is important to be involved in your school, and your family, and your community, and your church... how do you balance all of those things?"
We talked for nearly an hour going back and forth on how to decide between what to do. Even between what is a good thing to say 'yes' to and 'no' to.
Ultimately, it came down to priorities. I was reminded of the illustration of filling a jar with sand, pebbles, medium-sized stones and big rocks. The idea of this illustration, if you don't already know, is that by putting the bigger items in the jar first, all of the little things will filter through the cracks and you will be able to make the most of your jar space. However, if you dump in the sand, and then the pebbles, and then the medium and larger rocks, you won't have room for it all. Instead, you are left with a bunch of gaps (between the big rocks) and extra rocks that will not fit in your jar.
I want to challenge you. Think for yourself, in your own life. What are your big rocks right now? Are they things that line up with what you hope to accomplish in life? How did you decide that those items should be most important?
As I reflected for myself, I had to take a step back.
Do my big rocks reflect what God would put as the top priority in my life? Or are my personal priorities very different from what God deems important? If they are two vastly different sets of priorities, I admonish you to humble yourself (as I am having to do), and ask God to work in you to realign your big rocks.
Much later into the evening yesterday, I talked to another professor. I was sharing about the Big Rocks again. He turned to me and surprised me. For some reason, I had never thought of this, but he highlighted the fact that through the different seasons of life, our Big Rocks might change. Now of course we have to keep certain things at the forefront of our priorities, such as God and family. But things like being a mom are not a priority for me right now. I don't have kids. So that isn't a big rock for me. But being a mom might be a big rock for you. Maybe my personal big rock of college education isn't your big rock right now. And I share this because I want to encourage you to abstain from comparing your rocks to other people's big rocks. God calls us to a unique flavor of life. He has a spectacular way to use YOUR talents and giftings. That path may not make sense to others, which is why we need to hold fast to God's perspective. Look to Him for your priorities and be willing to allow Him to establish your Big Rocks for this season of life.
I sure hope this blesses you! Keep learning the lessons of life as you walk with Christ my friend!
XOXO,
Melissa
So many of us hear talks about how important it is to maintain balance.
We hear that when we find out what our balance is, we won't be stressed out, we will feel our best and do our best, and we might even think that being in balance will make us unshakable.
Well, I have to admit... I usually believe these things myself! But, I as I chat with those who are older and wiser than I am, I am hearing some different perspectives on the topic of maintaining a life balance.
At my University, we have a tight knit community between the students as well as faculty and professors. Yesterday, as one of my professors was taking me back to campus after a community event for entrepreneurs, I asked her how she maintains balance.
"Mrs. Lewis," I prompted, "I know that it is important to be involved in your school, and your family, and your community, and your church... how do you balance all of those things?"
We talked for nearly an hour going back and forth on how to decide between what to do. Even between what is a good thing to say 'yes' to and 'no' to.
Ultimately, it came down to priorities. I was reminded of the illustration of filling a jar with sand, pebbles, medium-sized stones and big rocks. The idea of this illustration, if you don't already know, is that by putting the bigger items in the jar first, all of the little things will filter through the cracks and you will be able to make the most of your jar space. However, if you dump in the sand, and then the pebbles, and then the medium and larger rocks, you won't have room for it all. Instead, you are left with a bunch of gaps (between the big rocks) and extra rocks that will not fit in your jar.
I want to challenge you. Think for yourself, in your own life. What are your big rocks right now? Are they things that line up with what you hope to accomplish in life? How did you decide that those items should be most important?
As I reflected for myself, I had to take a step back.
Do my big rocks reflect what God would put as the top priority in my life? Or are my personal priorities very different from what God deems important? If they are two vastly different sets of priorities, I admonish you to humble yourself (as I am having to do), and ask God to work in you to realign your big rocks.
Much later into the evening yesterday, I talked to another professor. I was sharing about the Big Rocks again. He turned to me and surprised me. For some reason, I had never thought of this, but he highlighted the fact that through the different seasons of life, our Big Rocks might change. Now of course we have to keep certain things at the forefront of our priorities, such as God and family. But things like being a mom are not a priority for me right now. I don't have kids. So that isn't a big rock for me. But being a mom might be a big rock for you. Maybe my personal big rock of college education isn't your big rock right now. And I share this because I want to encourage you to abstain from comparing your rocks to other people's big rocks. God calls us to a unique flavor of life. He has a spectacular way to use YOUR talents and giftings. That path may not make sense to others, which is why we need to hold fast to God's perspective. Look to Him for your priorities and be willing to allow Him to establish your Big Rocks for this season of life.
I sure hope this blesses you! Keep learning the lessons of life as you walk with Christ my friend!
XOXO,
Melissa
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