The Work-Life-Faith Balance

One Leap at a Time

You won’t always have a choice in the matter, but to the extent that you do, try to tackle just one big change at a time. There is a time and season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I waited to have my kids until I felt a certain level of comfort in my job. Not that I had achieved all of my professional goals, but I was at a place where I understood the job and what it required, and I had established solid relationships with my boss and coworkers. Sometimes, this presents a dilemma because typically when people reach that “comfortable” space I’m talking about, that’s also time for their next career move. Many women worry that if they don’t capitalize on opportunities for advancement, they will be pigeon-holed. That is a real risk, but I think it’s one worth taking. Starting a family (or undertaking any big change in your personal life) brings countless new challenges and adjustments. It’s not impossible to do while you’re starting a new job or role, but it is a lot harder. Of course, you don’t always get to be in control of such decisions!

Work Hard, But Hold it LooselyWhile my path has been winding, it’s been far from unusual. As Sheryl Sandberg noted, most careers look more like jungle gyms than ladders, and any one person’s path can and likely will wind considerably. If you hope to navigate successfully, you’ll need to start with a healthy perspective on what work is (and is not), and then approach it with flexibility, humility, and courage.

Because we put so much effort and energy into work, it can easily become an idol. We are called to work, and to work excellently, but not to be enamored with the results of our efforts. At the end of the day, work is still just work. Our God, on the other hand, is the God of the Universe.

In our culture, we are defined by our work, whether at home or in the marketplace, part time or full time, professional or vocational. It’s the first thing new people want to know about you: “It’s nice to meet you. What do you do?” As Christians, we are not locked in to that culture. We don’t have to fit in, and in many ways we shouldn’t.

“The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.” This verse from Ecclesiastes 9:11 is a great “keep it real” reminder not to put too much faith in human power or ability. In this broken world, the very best things people have to offer can all too easily come to nothing. That’s why we work for something and someone greater.

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