It all hangs in the balance....

"It was no longer a question of whether she should devote herself to her family or to her ministry in mission. God expected her to do both. Nor was it a choice between doing her own thing and supporting her husband's ministry. She knew that God would tell her how to balance her priorities" ~Dana Robert on the life of Susan Beamish Strachan, missionary to Argentina

This is encouraging to me, mainly because I often struggle with the whole issue of career and family. Just to clarify for you people reading that might not know me too well (which is doubtful), I do not actually have a family of my own, well, besides the basic mom, dad and brother. However, it is on the list of things to do. But, I also have this call to missions, which is, and I say this even without indefitnite experience, a job that is not for the faint of heart. it is a job that involves 110% everyday, all of the time. And I often think.... if I'm to do this job that is all consuming, how will I ever have time for a family? Does this mean I must choose? Now I know there are people out there who have done it before, and even been very good at having both a family and be on the mission field, but I, as of now am not one of those people. I would love to say that I will be, but the truth is I don't know if I will be. I am not good at balance...I'm an extremist. The things I love...I really love...the things I hate....I really hate. This is why I doubt this life that includes both missions and family. I realize this is not one of my most interesting journal entries, but let's face it....I'm not really writing for the viewing audience!

So I guess it's just a matter of balance....it all hangs in the balance.

This quote that I pulled from a book that I'm reading for missions class caught my eye becasue it gave me assurance that I would not have to choose. I don't have to choose between children or no children, I don't have to choose between a spouse's ministry and my ministry. God will provide for me priorities that I can implement into my life as I face various challenges and trials in life. I like that thought. It seems that in this case, I can have my cake and eat it too....as long as God is the one who baked the cake.....

that's right I just compared God to a baker....