A Sense of Balance

Our modern world is so plagued with insecurity – emotionally, economically, politically; locally and globally. There is turmoil in many areas of the world. Criminality is on the rise, and criminals have become more daring.

We are seeing a world that is increasingly willing to exchange its moral convictions for little comforts and conveniences. People are veering their faith, away from God towards man-made technologies. We are getting dizzy amid all the new technological innovations and the change they cause in people’s lifestyles.

We are becoming more and more materialistic, and less and less spiritual. In the process, we have become dreadfully suspicious of one another, because we no longer believe in the ultimate human goodness. And we are frightened.

Yet we should not lose heart. We have the innate capacity to stand this runaway change and confusion we are in. But we need to make the effort to regain our sense of balance, to exhibit poise, level-headedness, good sense and moral strength.

We need to remember that there is something deeper about us than our listless, modern ways. We need to reclaim our spiritual heritage – to be constantly reminded that this physical existence is just mere clothing to our true identity.

It is written that our ultimate destiny is a much better place, much better than we can ever imagine. But it takes knowing the Way, to be able to go back home to that place where we eternally belong.  If only we can have even just a quick glimpse of that glorious place, all these worldly woes that overwhelm us now will seem light – and our craving for transitory delights and popular esteem will fade away.

In the end, no treachery is so painful, no criticism so insulting, no challenge so daunting, no loss so heartbreaking and no malady so deadly. In fact, perhaps the more of these we have, the more satisfying our final victory will be. As we step over to the other side, it may come clear to us that we each had been given just what we deserved or just enough that we could stand.

With a healthy sense of balance we can take anything in stride. It is not simple self-confidence. It is an inner knowing that one is only given a burden that he can bear, that he can carry without tripping over.

My prayer every day is for all the trials, the tests as well as the blessings that may come my way to be just enough that I can stand. That my gains will not bloat my ego, that my losses will not crush my spirit. And that I may see more good examples in those around me, those whose tenacity and gentleness of character I can draw from, to boost my own capacity to face anything.