Ecclesiastes 3 says, “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” I use the metaphore of seasons in my life all the time, and right now I am in a season of finding balance.
I’m always trying to find a balance between raising my one and three year old, participating in all the activities I want to do for me, and being a good and attentive wife to my husband. Lately, though, it’s been overwhelming and I’ve become frustrated in all three areas. My kids seem ultra demanding, my activities are piling up around me, and my husband is going through a major transition in his career.
Recently I made the decision to run my first half marathon, which would take place this October. But, I have decided to yield to the needs of my family and postpone my goal. When will I run my marathon? Who knows. Not until the season lends itself I suppose. I will still run on a regular basis because that’s what makes me feel good. But the time committment to training is conflicting with the time committment to everything else that is going on. I am at peace with my decision now.
When I first decided to not run the half marathon I was really devastated with it and actually flipped back and forth between doing it and not. But while tending to my kids and husband in between my own activities, such as writing, MOPS, and choir, I realized I was stressed with the pressure to train. Not to mention my husband and kids seemed discontented when I was out running for an hour or longer. No matter how many different ways I try to make it fit, training for a marathon just isn’t part of the puzzle.
As much as I harp on the importance of doing things for me and yielding to my own desires before everyone else’s, I also don’t want to be selfish. My kids and husband are going through their own seasons of change and adjustments, so it isn’t my time right now to accomplish a major life goal. I’ll still tend to my goals and desires, I’ll just pick the ones that are less demanding.
