Finding a balance

I would say finding a balance in life, with any kind of valid priority, is one of modern life's major battles. At least it has been in mine, at least it has been for me. The crazy thing is it doesn't always feel like a battle, rather just logistics.

When we first got married we worked out our schedule around work, church, and the occasional event that didn't fall into the first two categories. As we began our small army and then proceeded to add to its ranks additional activities were gradually added. by the time we had 2 getting up there in school with major events logistics took on a whole new meaning and we truly relied on a LOT of people to accomplish getting everyone to their activities. But in the end it was just "What we did" and a matter of logistics.

Fast forward to today, and I realize how crazy we are. Having 90% of our daily activities severed by about 1000 miles, forces a perspective I was unable to see while within. The first week we were here I was accosted with the feeling of "we gotta go" or "what are we supposed to be doing tonight?" Almost every night I found myself channeling my Ricky Bobby and saying to Cortney, "I don't know what to do with my hands..."

Thankfully class started and we began finding what our routine might look like, although I would say we are still far from settled into a routine. And if I am honest with myself I am not sure we are a "routine" type of family unless you count it as a circus routine (including the clown car).

This has been on my head A LOT this week as I try to force my mindset back into "student mode" and try and find time for my family, and all the cooking, cleaning, and goofing off that it entails. What is it about "THE SCHEDULE" is the problem? Is it the sheer volume of activities? Is it just the stress of the logistics? The cost? Speaking with a good friend the topic came up and we were discussing the second boys athletics and the time (and money) we have spent on him playing high level (for his age obviously) sports, and whether it was worth it. For him it was. He learned a LOT about life between those foul lines and soccer goals from some amazing people (coaches, teammates, and their families alike) that he will carry with him always. It wasn't the baseball, it was the experience. And he truly is a better person for it today.

It boils down to priorities, in my opinion. The game was a byproduct. We all want to win and carry home the rings and trophies but is that really the point? Our goal in life should be about getting better and if the activities stop becoming about that than they have become noise.

Now, I would give a pretty penny to spend a few more innings on the bleachers with my Baller family (and still follow their games on game changer), or be in the bleachers cheering on my Lovelady Lion family, or my camping chair trying to explain why that was or was not actually a foul with my Eclipse Soccer family. The life experiences, relationships, and love obtained during those activities would never be listed as noise in my book, but it is in stark comparison to my current evening ritual and family time.

I am currently cherishing my time around the fire place with a notebook or book open listening to the circus around me while each has their own activities, ranging from bad jokes, wrestling each other into submission, or simply explaining how they are not in fact cheating at the board game of choice that evening. I am in no way proclaiming that we should give up all of our activities and hole up at home every night, I am however, suggesting that we should look at our overflowing calendars and ponder if we have any noise that could be quieted down.