Balance

 Today was my appointment with my infectious diseases doctor.  I think he was pleased enough with my progress considering my blood protein is in the normal range when it was twenty-four times higher than it should be a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I have an appointment back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for some never testing in my left shoulder.

I will continue on the IV antibiotics until April 6. I then have appointments on the calendar in April with my urologist, neurologist and a follow up appointment the end of April back to my infectious disease doctor. For someone who never needed to go to a doctor this is a different mode and routine than I am use to.

This week I will continue with my occupational and physical therapy. The main focus will continue to be on working on muscle strength and endurance. As I have mentioned it is interesting the muscles that have responded well in comparison to those that still need a lot of work. But I know that I am making progress. The continual focus on my routine exercises for legs, arms and shoulders is important.

This aspect of physical rehab is a constant reminder of the importance and challenge of “balance” in our lives. I need to continually work so my physical development is well balanced, well rounded. For example, my focus has been so much on my ability to walk the development of my shoulders has lagged behind. I work on strengthening my arms, but I forget that my shoulder muscles require specific exercises.

Balance is important in many aspects of our life and certainly in our spiritual life. It is easy for me to read the Bible; it is more of a challenge to be disciplined in prayer. Some are energized and find it easy to share their faith; others almost live their life as “secret” Christians. Some are ardent “prayer warriors” but struggle with relationships.

During my days in college ministry we use to talk about “WFDE” as a reminder of spiritual priorities and balance: Worship,Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism.

I believe those can serve as a good check point of our spiritual health and development. I know that individually we have spiritual and natural gifts that make certain disciplines more natural, but each Christian must be aware of what spiritual health and development looks like.

A championship football team will talk about the three phases of the game that must be in sync: offense, defense and special teams. And then there is the coaching element that covers these three. To be our best for God and His kingdom we need to understand and evaluate our strength of balance in key areas of the Christian life.

Worship – is both personal and corporate. Are you an observer or an active participant? Is worship something that is viewed as a “Sunday” church activity? Is it part of your daily life?

Fellowship – involves our connection with others. We need relationships that build us up and we need to contribute to and encourage others.

Discipleship –addresses our spiritual growth. We are to be life time learners when it comes to God’s Word and His ways. One of the reasons I read through the Bible every year is because God’s Word continually addresses my need and speaks to me where I am at that point in time.

Where I am today, the challenges I face will not be the same next year at this time. As a result, different words, concepts, stories, will take on a different meaning.

Evangelism –We are called to share the good news of Christ with others. This can be in a variety of ways. What matters is knowing the heart of God for those who are “lost and without hope.” When I read Christopher Kennedy Lawford’s book about people recovering from their addictions, it was interesting to find how the turning point for so many was somebody listened, somebody cared, somebody offered hope for a new life. That is what sharing God’s love and gospel is all about.

I am finding that having balanced muscle development enables me to get around and navigate more effectively the obstacles that come in my path. Balance muscle strength keeps me from falling and makes it easier to get up when I do. The same is true for our lives spiritually.