This week as we wrap up our conversation about flourishing in work, Rachelle shares what God has been teaching her about the ever-elusive topic: how to create balance.

Ways To Create Balance

Learning to Flourish by Creating Balance

by Rachelle Whitfield

I am the marketing team lead for Planting Roots. I tell everyone it is my side hustle because by day I am a full-time Hospital Administrator. It’s funny I signed up to write this blog several months ago; it must have been in one of those seasons when I had a little bit of confidence. We had been at that duty station for two and a half years so I had a system, I had a schedule at work, at home, in ministry, I had friends and it all ran like a well-oiled machine.  

When We Get Thrown Off Balance

Fast forward six months, I am at a new duty station (no friends yet), setting up house (# 8 in 11 years), and starting a new job, all before the old house was packed and the husband and dogs joined me.  I know it sounds a little odd since I am the spouse that usually follows my soldier. #newArmy

This month at Planting Roots, we have been talking about, “Flourishing in Work.” Sometimes I think I have it all figured out. Other times I am just praying whoever saw me yesterday saw a little Jesus in me. And my hope is that they know He is who strengthens me, gives me drive, and forgives me when my shine is not so bright. 

I think the topic I officially chose to write about was balancing faith, work, and flourishing. But I will start by saying I have’t found the balance. I have tried to learn balance for many years and it just did not work because I found I was always leaning on one side of the fence or the other. 

Better Than Balance

One year, one duty station, one new job I decided I was going in as a Christian. As a government employee, I knew I could not be flamboyant, in the breakroom reading my Bible out loud hoping others (that one) received the Holy Spirit. I wanted to be different than others who did not know my Father and all that he has done for me, through me, and continues to do in me so my coworkers would look at me and say, “Something is different about her.” 

Y’all, I got to talk about Jesus every day. I got to pray with and for people who weren’t even sure what or who they believed in, and I got to share his Word with an amazing family who was never taught to read it on their own. Not only did I flourish personally, professionally and spiritually, but I was loved well and I learned to love well. 

4 Ways to Create Balance

 A Morning Routine.

This is not just about “quiet time.” It was rising a little early for an extra cup of coffee before I had to be out the door. It was rising a little early to pack my lunch and work bag. Rising a little early and taking 5, 10, 15 minutes to read a short morning devotional and pray to start my day. It was rising early so I wasn’t crawling out of bed 30 minutes before I was supposed to be at my desk trying to simultaneously brush my teeth, put on mascara, and find my keys. 

A Tribe.

I am so fortunate to have a couple of these and they each hold a special place in my life. My Planting Roots tribe is ahhhhmazing. I have never served alongside a group of women who get me, they care about and appreciate my OCD. They accept my little rough around the edges military style of communication and thinking. These women have shown me what true grace looks like as we strive to create a ministry built on a foundation of biblical principles that loves ALL military women well. I have my fitness tribe that makes working out “FUN” and reminds me to drink water and pick salad. I have a marriage tribe that reminds me of my commitment and that I am half of a team and together we are better. My tribes hold me accountable in all the areas of my life.

A Community.

I have to stay connected to a Christ-centered community that feeds and challenges me to grow in my spirituality. I need a pastor who notices I missed a couple of weeks and is bold enough to ask, “Where have you been?” And I need a group of women expecting me on Wednesday evening to show up and share the amazing truths he laid before us the last week, either through study or in real life. 

A Prayer. Or many prayers…. Little ones, big ones, a couple of words, or sometimes even a book.  

When You Can’t Create Balance

Some days I am absolutely exhausted and some Sundays I don’t want to leave my PJs because the weekend went by too fast. Many days I wonder if I have represented Christ well. But I know He has me where I am for a purpose and that purpose is to represent Him whether through actions or words and to flourish in and through Him. 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for showing me balance. I may not find balance every day or in every place but I know that the more I spend time with you and pray the more balanced I feel. Lord watch over me each day and in every place you put me. Amen.

Verse to Ponder:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

Visit our Resource Page for more on the topic of “work”.

You can find Rachelle on Instagram @rachellesamone.