Laundry! How can two people dirty so many clothes in one week of vacation? Well, Hubs went fishing every day, and let’s face it – when you are fishing, there are usually worms, squid, fish or some other disgusting smelly thing being used for bait. There were also intense walks on the beach, and although I do not sweat, I sparkle, my sparkle doesn’t always smell so good. I knew vacation was over before it really was because I started sorting dirty clothes to make it easier to do laundry when I got home.
I knew I had about five loads of laundry to do compared to our normal 2 loads. Hubs unpacked the car and I unpacked our suitcases and began the task of laundry. I started with the darks because they were mostly Hubs’ fishing clothes. I put the laundry in the washer and continued to unpack suitcases and put things back where they belong. I went upstairs to put toiletries away and then I heard a loud thumping noise. The thumping noise got louder and louder. I ran downstairs, and lo and behold the washer was going crazy. It was swinging its hips like it was hula-hooping! I don’t know about you, but I know that was NOT a good sign.
The problem was the washer had become off balance in the spin cycle. I immediately opened the top of the washer and it stopped with a loud whirring noise. I looked in the washer and saw the problem. I may have actually caused the problem when I tried stuffing too many pairs of jeans in the washer instead of doing another load. Ok, I admit it. I did cause the problem.
Isn’t this exactly what happens to us when we try to cram too much into our lives? We become off balance because we are tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, and emotional. Spinning out of control and going crazy is not a normal setting for the washing machine, or for us. When we allow the borders of our lives to become pushed to the edge, we can guarantee we are going to need repair because we will eventually break down! Sometimes, it is a minor repair and sometimes it is a very costly repair.
God never intends for us to become so busy we feel like we are spinning out of control. This is what the enemy desires because when we are so pre-occupied with “stuff” we lose focus on what is important and we take on ownership rather than allowing God to lead us. Our relationship with God suffers, and we are off balance not just in in our spiritual lives, but physically and emotionally.
In order to keep a balanced lifestyle we need to load ourselves with personal time with God. God is the one who can help us sort out what needs to be done. If we overfill our lives we can become as ineffective as the washing machine spinning out of control. Everyone, regardless of age, needs balance in order to run efficiently.
Sometimes all we need is a simple adjustment, and other times we need to unload and reload. The best thing is knowing God will provide the balance we need when we ask. It didn’t save me any time trying to cram the washer full so I wouldn’t have to do five loads of laundry. I spent more time trying to adjust the clothes in the washer and removing wet, soaked jeans into a laundry basket than if I just adhered to the limit.
Only fill yourself to your limit. Don’t take on more than you know you should or can handle. Don’t try to stuff yourself beyond capacity, it can lead to you breaking down and will cost you more than you want to pay.
Living a life with God provides you with the best balance and will always keep you from spinning out of control.
Love this….
Thank You!
So true! And, may I also add, learning to say no when appropriate is a good thing. Many years ago I had to learn how to say no to peer pressure in the local church. Sadly, those who volunteer most and the ones always asked to do more. I had to learn to say no in order to stay balanced.
Toni~
This is a great point! Thank You for adding valuable wisdom. Sometimes “no” is the BEST answer we can give to keep our balance. Thanks 🙂