Keeping Balanced

 

"Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer each day, except when we are busy-then we need an hour."
-St. Francis de Sales

  Being a mother of six children, I heard the following remark often. "I bet you're glad summer is ending, and all your kids will be back in school." My answer was always the same. I much prefer the leisurely days of summer. I hate all the different schedules, activities, and running around that comes with a new school season. I always feel a little off-balanced and tired. 

 I'm sure I'm not alone; feeling a little off-balanced some days. Keeping up with work schedules, school activities, emails, meal planning, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc., can sometimes be overwhelming. Often it seems like too much to do and not enough time. While praying, I  asked Jesus, "How did you handle this?" Imagine the demands Jesus must have felt every day in His ministry. The crowds surrounded Him, demanding healing and miracles. But, of course, Jesus answered my question almost immediately. He always found a quiet space to pray.

 No matter how busy our lives are, we must stay connected to God. Our body relies on many muscle groups to keep us physically balanced, and our spirit depends on the sacraments and prayer life to balance our lives. The graces we receive in prayer help us carry our loads, even if they are stacked too high. God doesn't want us to hit rock bottom, but if we do, He wants us to remember that a life based on prayer is the best foundation.  

-Susan