Navigating to Find Balance

I heard someone say many years ago that life is like a railroad track. On one track there are blessings and good things, while on the other track there is heartache and hard things. But, there are always both tracks. It is something that has stuck with me that I think of often. Many people would say how important it is to focus on the good things, but doesn't that leave us out of balance? If we just focus on the good things and don't acknowledge the difficult things then we will fall off the track, so to speak. The same is true if we turn our focus on the difficult things. I am writing this today, because I don't know the answer. What is the 'right' way to live a truly balanced life, navigating both tracks at the same time?

At the PARC many of the members try so hard to live their lives with gratitude. They are in a very difficult position, trying so hard to have hope and believe in a future for themselves; but, things are so hard! We always try to speak encouragement, but sometimes there are no words. Yesterday one of our members who is mentally ill was sitting at the table crying. When I went over to check on her she told me that someone had beaten her up and stolen all her things. She has two identities and has this struggle often. Whether it really happened or not wasn't the point. Her reality was that it had happened. She wouldn't let me call anyone, so I just sat with her. I said, "Cheryl, what can I do?" And, she said, "Exactly what you are doing now." And, so I continued to sit with her.

I don't have the answers. I can't process all the emotions that are swirling around my heart. There are so many good, good things that God is doing and I am so grateful; yet, there are many hard and awrful things where hearts are hurting and afraid. So, where do I stand? What track do I stay on? I think the only way to live a balanced life is to acknowledge both and NEVER forget that God is in it ALL. He comforts. He loves and weeps with us when we mourn. He blesses. He heals and provides for us abundantly. In all of these things we acknowledge Him. I try to not ever ask Him why. I try to always ask Him, "What are you doing and how can I join you? What are You doing in these awful hard and hurting situations? What are You doing in these blessings and miracles?" Because He is always there! He is in them all. So, that is where I will stand, doing my best to navigate both tracks in my life and hopefully stay balanced.