My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. (Proverbs 3:1-8 NLT).

Children have a way of reminding us of the truth in the most unusual of ways. Rhonda Rhea tells the following story about her young daughter who does just that:

I was on the verge of shrieking an "Okay! I surrender!" when Kaley, four years old at the time, interrupted my pity party with the deep thought of the hour: "Mom, how come we gots TWO holes in our noses?" A friend gave me the obvious answer later. He said that it was so we could still breathe out of one hole when we have a finger in the other. But since I'm not nearly that quick thinking, I answered, "Because that's the way God designed us. And we can always know that whatever He designs for us is just right." I really hate it when I'm trying to sound wise and motherly to my children and I get konked between the eyes with the jewel of wisdom that's supposed to be for them. Yet there it was--right in my face. I knew the message was for me. I spoke a prayer of surrender and thanksgiving to The Awesome Designer around a throat-lump the size of New Jersey. I'm supposing that "I surrender" was precisely the right cry. As I surrendered in trust to His design for my life, all those little annoyances fell right into perspective. And how those tiny annoyances paled into insignificance against the brightness of my countless blessings--5 of whom bounced happily in my toasty minivan, breathing through 10 perfectly designed nostrils. Praise God for His design.

What a thought! Have you considered how you are designed lately? There are those humorous things about us, like two holes in our nose, but how about some other basic things about our design. For example, we are designed to have periods of rest and refreshing to operate at peak efficiency. There are those occasions when we must do without rest, however we never operate best when we deprive our bodies of the necessary rest it demands. Or, how about your spirit? God has also designed your mind and spirit to be refreshed as well. In order to operate at peak efficiency there we need to spend time in prayer and study. There are some other essential elements though. We need companionship. No one can live long and best without positive interaction from others. Find a fellowship group you can be comfortable in and attend. We also need to stimulate our minds with entertainment. For some that may mean a good book, others would turn to positive and appropriate music or video. Others yet may simply find themselves involved in the outdoors. The next time you find yourself frustrated and anxious, take a deep breath and remember there are two holes in your nose! Find your balance point and rest in it!