–noun, plural -riums, -ria
/-riə/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [-ree-uh]
1. a state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces.
2. equal balance between any powers, influences, etc.; equality of effect.
synonyms-
equipoise, steadiness, stability.
This is my 2010 word. I have chosen equilibrium to define my life in 2010 and I did this by way of prayer, personal reflection, and self-awareness. Honestly, it didn't take long for me to uncover this word. Most of the time in my life the most meaningful answers to my daily struggles are painfully obvious; they have always been there. Other people around me typically see it before I do too. All too often my problem is that I either wasn't listening/looking or that I refused to accept the truth.
Why equilibrium? Good question! First, it was a cool SciFi movie with guns... well, that's not why I chose it but it was still a cool movie.
The real answer is that I tend to say 'yes' to a lot of things in life; a lot of really good things. But I unbalance my life often. It is the equivalent of washing your clothes with all the water-absorbing towels on one side and the socks on the other. It is a good thing to wash your clothes but a wise thing to make sure the washer maintains balance. Without balance, the washing machine could damage itself or the objects around it.
My life is the same way.
Here's the thing... balance in life is not Biblical but that does not mean that it is not important. I can not find anywhere in the Bible that it talks about how we must be balanced people living balanced lives. In fact, I would venture to say that Jesus expected us to be unbalanced. That our lives would tilt fully toward Him. Look at the evidence:
"[Jesus said,] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30; Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV
To that end, I want to be unbalanced.
However, when I read the following, I affirm that there must be some balance to the commitments that I make to people even if it means saying 'no' to something good:
"[speaking of pastors and small group leaders] He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)" 1 Timothy 3:4-5, NIV
In 2010, I intend to be completely unbalanced for Jesus but with equilibrium in my life as it pertains to relationships, tasks, hobbies, etc.
How about you? Do you have a word that would define this year? Have you thought about it? What word would you use to define the next 12 months and why?