user91537: I'm running a full node as well as a Lightning Node with 4 channels open. I also have incoming ports enabled. I've noticed that my balance varies daily by a few thousand Sats. I'm new to running a node so wondered if someone could explain why this happens (or maybe link me to an article explaining).
Many thanks...

user81940: If it is only the balance of your channels that is changing I would assume that your node is routing payments. The lightning network is all about forwarding payments. 
So the following explains what could have happened assuming you have two channels to a node A and a node B: 

(A)--20sat------40sat--(you)--30sat------50sat--(B)

meaning:

node A has 20 satoshi
your node has 40 satoshi + 30 satoshi = 70 Satoshi
node B has 50 satoshi

Let us assume B wants to pay 15 satoshi to A this does work via lightning and via your node. The channels will update their balance: 

(A)--35sat------25sat--(you)--45sat------35sat--(B)

meaning:

node A has 35 satoshi
List item
your node has 25 satoshi + 45 satoshi = 70 Satoshi
node B has 35 satoshi

Probably your node even takes some routing fee which could have a standard value of at least one satoshi in that case your final balance would look like this

(A)--35sat------25sat--(you)--46sat------34sat--(B)

meaning: 

node A has 35 satoshi
your node has 25 satoshi + 46 satoshi = 71 Satoshi
node B has 34 satoshi


91537: <p>I'm running a full node as well as a Lightning Node with 4 channels open. I also have incoming ports enabled. I've noticed that my balance varies daily by a few thousand Sats. I'm new to running a node so wondered if someone could explain why this happens (or maybe link me to an article explaining).</p>

<p>Many thanks...</p>
 81940: <p>If it is only the balance of your channels that is changing I would assume that your node is routing payments. The lightning network is all about forwarding payments. </p>

<p>So the following explains what could have happened assuming you have two channels to a node A and a node B: </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(A)--20sat------40sat--(you)--30sat------50sat--(B)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>meaning:</p>

<ul>
<li>node A has 20 satoshi</li>
<li>your node has 40 satoshi + 30 satoshi = 70 Satoshi</li>
<li>node B has 50 satoshi</li>
</ul>

<p>Let us assume B wants to pay 15 satoshi to A this does work via lightning and via your node. The channels will update their balance: </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(A)--35sat------25sat--(you)--45sat------35sat--(B)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>meaning:</p>

<ol>
<li>node A has 35 satoshi</li>
<li>List item</li>
<li>your node has 25 satoshi + 45 satoshi = 70 Satoshi</li>
<li>node B has 35 satoshi</li>
</ol>

<p>Probably your node even takes some routing fee which could have a standard value of at least one satoshi in that case your final balance would look like this</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(A)--35sat------25sat--(you)--46sat------34sat--(B)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>meaning: </p>

<ul>
<li>node A has 35 satoshi</li>
<li>your node has 25 satoshi + 46 satoshi = 71 Satoshi</li>
<li>node B has 34 satoshi</li>
</ul>
