At a Ministry conference I attended some years ago, a workshop facilitator was talking about work (ministry), life balance. I will never forget the facilitator standing at the front of the room with outstretched arms holding a clock in one hand and a compass in the other.

“ So what I want you to do” she said, “is take a minute and write all the details you can about each of the items.”

A clock and a compass.

The group concluded that the clock represented our commitments, appointments, schedules, goals, and activities. It’s how we manage our time.

The compass represented our vision, values, principles, mission, direction-and our relationship with God.

Ultimately we all agreed that balancing the clock and the compass, though difficult, was important!

Jesus understood this.

He said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

We all face the challenge of trying to live by the compass, not the clock. Keeping the compass in mind helps us keep the big picture in view.

So, what is your direction? How can you better balance your life?

As we begin the summer month of August, it is my prayer that God will help us to live by a compass and maintain balance in our lives.