Creating Harmony Within Our Vocations

According to Merriam-Webster, one of the definitions of the term "balance" means “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis.” In these terms, one could say that we are the axis and are in a constant state of attempting to distribute the weight of our roles and responsibilities on either side. It is also often used in both the out-of-home workplace in terms of employees desiring more of a work-life balance.

Beyond the workplace, I have found I was trying to find balance within the various vocations we often find ourselves to hold as daughter, wife, and mother. As one friend related to me, the mere idea of trying to "balance" everything conveys the thought that something must suffer or get "less than" the other, tipping the scales to the point that we just can't give enough on either side.

While listening to a podcast about behavioral science, the idea of creating harmony as opposed to balance was first introduced to me—but in terms of a work setting. The hosts, who are behavioral psychologists, provided a fresh perspective that challenges the idea of whether or not there truly can be work-life balance, and their answer is no. If there were truly balance, nothing would suffer or receive less attention or priority.

While this seems nearly impossible, as something would have to tip the scales in one direction or the other, if we change our perspective and look at an alternative definition of balance, it’s much more feasible. Instead of focusing on the definition in terms of stability brought by even distribution, I now look at my vocations using another definition of the word balance, which is “to bring into harmony or proportions.”

The idea of creating harmony seems much more feasible, as nothing has to suffer. I am merely making my vocations work together to complement each other, rather than taking away from one another. Some days, my focus will need to be more on my vocation as a mother, especially if my husband is out of town on a business trip. On date nights, my focus can be on my vocation as a wife. In the silence of the morning, before anyone else is awake, I can focus on my vocation as daughter by reading scripture and offering my day to the Lord.

In those little moments, I am not sacrificing one vocation for the other. I am merely adjusting the notes of the song of my life to make a beautiful harmony. Some days, the pitch will be way off and feel like there is no hope and all of a sudden, everything comes together to create a beautiful medley. This also relieves the pressure and feeling like not matter what I do, something has to suffer. The musical notes (i.e., our vocations), can vary in tone and tempo but when they come together, everything flows seamlessly, and I can rest in the knowledge that I am doing my best in all of my vocations.

Humility: My Word of the Year 2023

One of the first things I notice each time I discern a word of the year is how randomly I suddenly see that word or hear it said. It's like those moments when you are made aware of something that you immediately notice more. For example, I decided long before I could drive that my dream car was a Volkswagen Beetle. I saw one nearly every time I was in a car and still notice them, especially if it happens to be a metallic blue Super Beetle, to be exact. But this year for 2023, instead of a car, it is a word. And, ironically enough, I feel like God has been using my love language (which is "words of affirmation") to continue to solidify where He is guiding me. I honestly don't remember the exact moment in time when it hit me but I knew it was my word. Or, rather, several variations of this word. Once again while driving, I heard it—just as I had heard my first word . Humility: freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. ( Merriam-Webster.

Discerning a Word of the Year: 'Abide' to 'Mother'

Several years ago, I was introduced to the concept of a word of the year by way of a podcast series called Abiding Together. The women’s group I had recently joined had been listening to the series as a way for us to continue to grow in our faith. After listening to the episode about discerning a word of the year, I reflected on an earlier episode that talked about striving versus abiding . After listening to it again and, having not yet decided on my word for the year, I initially felt convinced it should be "strive." I wanted to strive to do better as a wife and mother and faithful daughter of God. I was so confident, in fact, that I shared what I thought was to be my word of the year with several of my friends. Looking back, I can see that God was guiding me in the right direction but re-focused my attention. Literally, while I was driving. I distinctly remember the moment and location I fully discerned my first word of the year. As I paused to a stop, I said to my

Faith Abroad: La Santina, Our Lady of Covadonga

The summer of 2004 is one I will never forget for multiple reasons. It was my first trip overseas and I was thrilled to get my first stamp in my passport. I had dreams of filling that passport with stamps from all over the world but my first stop was on a study abroad I took to the beautiful country of Spain. I was minoring in Spanish and thought this would be the perfect way to practice my Spanish while getting to see a part of the world I had always dreamed of seeing. As a bonus, our professor was a native to the part of Spain in which we would spend most of our time and knew of places beyond your typical travel guide and tourist attractions. As I said goodbye to my family, my dad blessed my forehead and reminded me to say a prayer every time I traveled. Upon our initial arrival to Madrid, I took in all of the beautiful scenery, including the stunning and historic basilicas and churches. I knew the country as a whole was predominantly Catholic and I was looking forward to attending M

Jennifer J Thomas

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