Can Women Have It All? A Grace-Filled Approach to ProductivitySample

It's okay not to balance everything

Glass Balls vs. Plastic Balls

My dear friend Sarah shared this analogy with me, and I want to pass it along to you. Think of the different spheres in your life as plastic and glass balls. Some balls are plastic and will bounce back if we drop them or set them aside for a particular season. Other balls are glass, and if we drop them, they will shatter and be difficult to repair. Identify what your glass balls are and protect those first and foremost. For many people, their glass balls are relationships—with God, with family, friends, and their church community. Some examples of plastic balls might be: how elaborate your meals are (peanut butter fills the belly just as well as a more elaborate meal) or how tidy your home is at a given time. Everyone’s glass and plastic balls will be different, but it’s important to think through which balls we can afford to drop. Dropping the ball or intentionally setting it aside for a season doesn’t mean that we’ll neglect it forever. But in a particular season, we might have to make some tough choices. Below are some spheres to consider and prayerfully think through:

Spiritual -Personal relationship with the Lord - Memorizing Scripture - Time in prayer Community - Immediate family - Extended family - Friends - Small group - Church community

Health - Physical health - Fueling our bodies well - Getting enough sleep - Mental health - Emotional health

Financial - Regular budget meetings - Generosity to others - Saving intentionally for the future

Vocational - Professional development - Knowledge acquisition - Networking

Intellectual Life - Education - Reading - Pursuing hobbies

To properly prioritize our glass balls in unusual seasons (busy seasons at work, times of illness, or caring for a family member), it’s helpful to figure out what plastic balls you can drop so that your glass balls can continue to be prioritized and well cared for. There might be times when it feels like everything is a priority, and every time you sit down to work on something, you’re overwhelmed and paralyzed by the ten other things that you should be doing. If you’re feeling that way, figure out if you can ask someone for help. Maybe you ask your small group to watch the kids for an evening while you have a night to catch your breath. Maybe you eat freezer meals all week to ease the burden of cooking, or maybe you simplify your routines for a season.