Balancing That’s Not an Act
Christina Roberson-Smeltzer
VP of Public Affairs, Certified Coach, Best-Selling Author, Founder X3, Franchise Partner at Maze of Life, Advisor
I can still hear my dad’s voice, steady and sure, asking me the same question he’d asked me a dozen times before:??
"Will this matter in five years?"
At the time, whatever I was obsessing over—a test, a misunderstanding with a friend, the latest teenage crisis—felt like the most important thing in the world. But that question? It had a way of cutting through the noise.??
Now, decades later, I find myself asking the same thing, but in a different context. When the to-do list is endless, when work pulls in one direction and family in another, when I feel stretched so thin I could snap—I pause. And I ask myself again:??
"Will this matter in five years?"?
What Balance Really Means??
Running a business, raising a family, and walking in purpose can feel like an impossible balancing act. We want to be everything to everyone, to say yes to every opportunity, to do it all and do it well. But here’s what I’ve learned: When that inner critic says balance?means doing more, shut it down in the name of peace. Instead, slow down and be fully present with what matters most.
For us, that means making intentional choices. Sometimes, that looks like putting our phones on silent, saying no to plans, and focusing inward within the four walls of our home. Other times, it means working late, knowing that we carved out space earlier in the day for what matters most. Not every day looks the same—but every day, we try to choose well.??
What about you?
If life feels overwhelming, if the weight of everything is pressing down on you, take a breath and ask:??
- What can I simplify??
- Where can I be more present??
- In five years, what will I be grateful I invested in?
The Eternal Perspective??
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We can set schedules and make lists, then check them off, but balance doesn’t come from perfect time management. It can be summed up in one word. Surrender—trusting that God is leading, that He is faithful, and that when we keep Him at the center, everything else finds its place.??
So today, give yourself permission to let go of doing it all and instead, focus on what will still matter in five years. Ten years. Forever.??
Wishing you a meaningful and love-filled Valentine’s Day weekend.
In Faith and Growth,??
Christina & Chad
P.S. We’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you’re refocusing on what truly matters this week? Reply and share your heart.?
#WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #EntrepreneurWellness #BalanceYourLife #FocusOnWhatMatters #DiscoverABetterYou #TheCoachChristina #ChadSmeltzer #BlogPost #ValentinesDay2025
Technical Advisor / Strategy Advisor / Fractional Employee 19k+
3 周In the sermon on the mount, Matthew 6:34, Christ teaches: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Those who have embraced the grace of Christ and accepted the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit can find greater peace. The Holy Spirit guides decisions today so that "the morrow" will take care of itself. The Holy Spirit and the atonement help us be cleansed from the mistakes of the past (our own and also the impact of the mistakes of others) so that such anxiety and pain can be left behind us. We only have to focus on doing today what the Holy Spirit guides us to do. God takes care of the rest when we do our part "today." Trust those promptings from the Holy Spirit and you will consistently "focus on what matters." Walking in faith often means letting go of many of the pressures and concerns and trusting that God's got this, as long as you follow His promptings daily. And nothing we have is ours. It is all a stewardship to be used in His service. He will prompt and guide us daily on how we are to best serve Him and all who we come into contact with.