Finding the Balance

One evening, there were beautiful seashells scattered across the beach. These shells were not just the usual mix we find in northeast Florida. No, these were unique, and I picked up all kinds of sea treasure.

For the next several weeks, every time I’d walk on the beach, I found myself with my head down, gazing across the sand, searching for more perfect shells. I did, in fact, find more.

Then one beautiful morning, I looked up and noticed the ocean was a clear turquoise and the sky a brilliant blue. There was a light breeze, and the day was gorgeous. All of a sudden, I realized that I had been so captivated by my search for seashells that I almost missed the bigger picture.

Our life of faith can be like this. There are times when our heads must be down—bowed in prayer. We all need renewal and strength for the journey. And there are rich treasures to be found in times of prayer and meditation.

But if we keep our heads down too long, we might miss the bigger picture. We might fail to notice the beauty and good of God’s creation all around us. And we might miss opportunities to serve others and to grow.

These days, I try to walk part of the way with my head bowed in focused attention. And I try to walk the rest of the way with my eyes looking out and my heart wide open.

Let us pray: Loving God, help us to find a balance in life. Help us to carve out time for prayer—time to renew and replenish the soul. But please, Lord, don’t let us get stuck there. Give us eyes to see the world around us—the tremendous beauty and the need. As we have received, so may we give. Amen.