The Balancing Act

I was invited to be present at a meeting this weekend at a particular church. This meeting was convened with the intent of facilitating sharing and dialogue between the catechists of the local church. During one of the discourses, it was concluded that we should 'strike a balance between the different priorities'. Indeed, it brings back some memories, doesn't it? This phrase seem to surface repeatedly in our discussions. I personally feel that this is futile talk, whilst one knows that he should strike the balance, most of the time, he will not be able to achieve that balance because he is not equipped with the means or tools to do it. Soon after, he will crumble after losing balance.

The balancing act entails more than it seems. In my humble opinion, it requires ongoing monitoring and reviews to make sure that everything is really balanced. However, the challenge is this- it is an innate characteristic of humans to focus on one and neglect the other, especially if one seems significantly more attractive. The balancing act, if i may opine, requires sound judgment, good discernment skills and the discipline to keep everything in check (Saying that, I acknowledge that there are grounds that I may have overlooked and apologise for the inadequacy). As seen, the conclusion of 'striking a balance' is the end state, however, we should look into the process because that will greatly determine whether or not we reach that end state.

Some of us are engaged in mentoring roles, it is sometimes to tempting to give 'formulated advice'- recommending fixed formulas to our proteges, out of convenience. 'You have to strike a balance' seems to be one of the members of that formula list. Perhaps, we could consider going a step further- suggesting ways of which the protege could go about achieving that balance, that would be more concrete and be of more clarity to the receiving party. Like the saying goes 'teach a man to fish and he will be able to fish for life.' Teaching the man how to strike that balance will be an invaluable tool for his future.

God bless!