Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.  1 Peter 5:8 AMP

Can you still call them “Rice Krispies Treats” if they are stale?

Having my kitchen rules etched in her mind, Sierra gave me ample notice of her baking project.  There was a fundraiser at her elementary school and she couldn’t wait to participate.

I vaguely remember putting “buy Rice Krispies and marshmallows” on my mental to-do list.  But it got crowded out with work appointments and deadlines.

Thankfully, I found the ingredients as I frantically scoured our pantry an hour before bedtime the night before the fundraiser.  Sierra noticed that the box seemed faded and the bag of marshmallows had morphed into a single white pillow.

With one hand on her hip she barked, “Mom, the cereal expired in February 2011!”

I snapped back and explained that once we poured the ingredients into the heated pot, everything would melt together just fine.  And it did melt together.  It just never became crispy.  

As Sierra left for school the next morning with her stale treats, I realized that my life is a balancing act.  When I allow myself to get off-kilter, my fuse shortens and I become a prime target for the enemy.  

But 1 Peter 5:8 breathes wisdom and hope, “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times…”

God has called me to be Ryan’s wife and Sierra’s mom.  He’s also called me to my career and the ministry I participate in.  Within these roles, I need to be vigilant and cautious, praying for God’s direction each step of the way in order to be well-balanced.

Do you walk on a similar balance beam in life?

We can be vigilant and let God show us the right balance in our work and family schedule.  When our schedules are God-authored, our treats will be crispy and our minds will have a level of peace which surpasses this society’s understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Read Exodus 18:14-26.  Moses was overwhelmed by work.  His father-in-law gave him wise advice.  I call it “The 3D Approach.”  What do you need to accomplish today in your job and at home?  

Pray for God’s wisdom as you analyze your list line by line.  What can you delete or delegate?  That will make your “do” list more manageable.

• Delete - is it really necessary?  You don’t need to strive for perfection!
• Delegate - are you the only one who can do this task?  Consider your co-workers, kids, your family, friends or a hired professional.
• Do - if God still has this task on your schedule for today, commit your work to Him and He will make your plans succeed!  (Proverbs 16:3)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing blessings in our lives.  Thank You for our families, our friends and our “work”… whatever our “work” may be.  Help us to seek You and Your direction each step of the way.  Show us how to commit our work to You so all our plans will succeed!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!