Balancing the Scale

I wear ten hats on most days and on others, I don fifty three.

It's the life of a full time Mama playing writer, doctor, nurse, counselor, chef, spiritual guide, financial analyst, church volunteer, teacher, entrepreneur, photographer, and interior decorator to name a few.

And I'm afraid if there is truth to the cliché "life's a balancing act", my scale has an elephant on one side and a pea on the other.

photo: flickr creative commons

For yes, I've completed a novel, but no, my house doesn't look like the Pottery Barn. And yes, I find time to write articles and blog posts, but no, I don't sew my kids clothes or grow my own wheat. But somehow, in today's fast paced world {and blogosphere}, I give into the lie that I must do it all. And when I don't, guilt settles in like an unwelcome guest.

The truth is when I attempt to maintain the perfect balance, I miss out on honing my God-given abilities. And when I try to do everything myself, I forgo opportunities to see community at work--the body of Christ, with it's diverse gifts, coming together to accomplish His purpose.

I must develop the gifts God has given me and choose to do a few things well. For me, this means focusing on nurturing my family and writing.

But even as a writer, I need to remember that I'm not called to write everything. I'll never craft humor like Jenny B. Jones, or suspense like Colleen Coble. But, God has given me a unique voice, and as I continue to write for Him alone {and take time to listen instead of running ahead}, He'll lead me to the right niche.

I'm a daughter of the most high King, a wife and mother, a writer. In that order. So, what about the rest?

Well, I'll let you wear your best hat, and together, we'll build God's kingdom and balance the scale.

Do you struggle with trying to do it all? What writing niche do you sense God leading you to?

Melanie N. Brasher is a full time mama of two boys and wife to an incredible husband who understands her bicultural background. She moonlights as a fiction and freelance writer, crafting stories and articles toward justice and change, and contemplates faith, family, and writing at her personal blog. Though she’s an aspiring author, she’ll never quit her day job.