Finding Balance...

Kids love the story of Samson.  The story in the Old Testament begins in a way that reminds me of the modern day heroes our kids watch on television.  Samson had a super power...he was supernaturally strong.  His parents were instructed even before he was born of how he was to live.  Never, no never was he to cut his hair.  This was the simple instruction he was to live by.  One that set him apart from others.  It marked him as a Nazarite which means consecrated or set apart.

You probably remember the story.  How Samson was manipulated by the woman he loved.  How his hair was cut and all that supernatural strength was zapped.  I wonder...are there things that zap our strength.

 

Just yesterday coming home from a baseball game this song comes on the radio.  The singer sings of a time I remember...of things like "pictures you shake" and "windows that crank".  My husband laughs at me when I tell him how I used to listen to the Top 40 on Sundays with my cassette player in hand.  How I would wait for the songs I loved and quickly push those two buttons at the same time on my little machine.  This was no short term project.  It took hours, but in the end I had captured my favorite tunes in that little plastic box with the two wheels.  I glanced out the window thinking...my kids don't even know what those things are.  Come on some of you might even say it with me "those were the days".  It seems that with every generation life speeds up.

I find myself thinking there's just not enough time in the day.  If you are like me the business of life can be a strength zapper.  Keeping up with school and sports, lessons and activities leaves little room for conversation, family dinners or just hanging out.  It's a constant struggle to find balance.  Like Samson sometimes I wake up and realize I'm grinding out each day, getting things checked off my list, but not really living.   Don't get me wrong.  I think the inventions we enjoy today are fabulous.  They can make life a lot easier.  I just have to be on guard of those things that take away from my relationship with God...my relationship with others. 

Like Samson we too are set apart when we choose to follow Jesus.  Samson ended up in prison, but that's not the end of the story.  You see in the quiet of that prison situation Samson's hair began to grow again.  I believe that was a symbol of his growing closer to God as well.  God knew what he was asking when he commanded us to observe the Sabbath, a day of rest.  God knew we needed that day to maintain balance in our lives.  It is a time set apart to grow closer to him...closer to those we love. 

So here's the challenge.  Find a day, or an afternoon, or an evening and declare it a Sabbath.  Play games, watch movies, or take a walk.  Eat what you want...take a nap...be goofy...dance.  Share with your kids the things you loved when you were young.  I'm confident you won't think it wasted time when you see the smiles on those young faces.  I'm pretty sure God will be smiling too.