I am currently writing an article on a church with an amazing emphasis on being the Body of Christ, which really should be the emphasis of every church if you get to thinking about it. In my interview with the pastor, he exmeplified his ministry by saying that the toes aren't the most gratifying part of the body, but somebody has to play the part. If toes are so unimportant, why does it hurt SO BAD when you stub them?
This is a side story, but I walked into the solid-wood base of a chair last night and immediately found myself curled into the fetal position on the floor with tears in my eyes and dirty words on the tip of my tongue. I was certain one or two of my toes were broken, which concerned me, because I need my toes fully functional. If I'm not mistaken, the toes provide balance, and thus, the ability to walk? (Toe experts feel free to comment.) My point is: The smallest, most seemingly insignifcant parts, sometimes play incredible roles, and when they are hurt, every other part feels it and reacts (cue mental image of Rachel on the floor writhing in pain and contemplating x-ray trip).
I work really hard, every day. It seems I spend a lot of time doing things for other people, and solving problems created by others instead of "doing something constructive." In actuality, I must do things for others, because they are constantly doing stuff for me, so I can in fact, do something constructive for at least some amount of time every day. It is a cycle. Just by showing up every morning, daycare staff is in place to care for children and run the center so I don't have to. I may have to get them latex gloves, bring paper towels, remove a child for "level 2" discipline, and a whole bunch of other tasks that may at the moment irritate me, but in the end, I'm helping them do their job, so they can in turn allow me to do mine. I didn't just realize this cycle existed, I've always known it was there. However, I don't believe I have fully appreciated it, or the people involved in it.
If I went to work Monday and no one else arrived, I would be up the creek. Not only would I not be able to do my "job" I would be unable to run the center in a safe and legal manner. I would also undoubtedly lose my mind caring for 50+ children all alone. That scenario would never actually occur, but you get my point. Child care workers may be some of the most overworked and under appreciated people there are. To society at large, they may appear to be the "toes" but in the body of my work life, they are the part that provides balance and allows me to walk. So if I haven't said it lately - I appreciate the Calvary Way Daycare staff.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Adventures in movie going
Friday night I went out with my parents and sister to celebrate my mom's birthday. Mom wanted to see The Time Traveler's Wife, so my sister and I went with her, and my dad opted to see Inglorious Basterds on his own. Our movie let out about 50 minutes earlier than his, so we waited for him in the lobby of the theater. Oh wow. It wasn't really late, 9:10 or so, but already nocturnal phenomena was occurring.
If you've seen Men in Black, you know that Tommy Lee Jones explains that a certain number of "humans" on earth are actually aliens in disguise. What he failed to mention is that they congregate at the Carmike Theater in Longview, Texas. That sounds severe, I know, so let's soften it and be more specific. What I witnessed was mostly the confusion and insecurity of junior high exemplified in dress and behavior.
This was the last weekend ahead of the start of public school, so I'm sure the kiddos were out in full force solidifying their alliances for the school year. When I was in junior high (shudder) I always had a list of people to call at the end of the summer to set myself up socially for the school year. You have to compare schedules and find out where lockers are so you can easily find one another at break and lunch and avoid the awkward "loner" moments and panic that comes with not having anyone to sit with. I was a poster child for insecurity in junior high. I didn't want to appear alone for even the shortest amount of time. Nevertheless, these poor kids. . .I can see things have not changed.
In my 50 minute adventure Friday night, I saw many things. I observed a faction of the pre-teen Mexican mafia act and react to stimuli in their natural habitat: the arcade game corner. There were young ladies that seemed to be skinny jean/punkish types on the bottom halves of their bodies, but something entirely different and preppier on the top. One group entered the lobby only to buy movie theater nachos, and then apparently left. I know I go out of my way constantly for stale chips topped with thick, congealed, re-warmed, processed cheese product. (??!) The plastic container is the cherry on top. Oh, and the fact that they cost $6.75!!!
I also saw adults that piqued my curiosity. Although, people that attend ten o'clock movies intrigue me in general. I admire them, as it's something I cannot accomplish. I haven't gone to a movie past nine o'clock since high school, and the chances are I didn't go then. I just said I was to stay out past curfew. Nowadays, I'm tucked in by ten watching The Nanny and it's lights out by 10:30. Anyways, back to these adults. One gentleman wore loafers, white linen pants, and a pale pink button down untucked. His wire-rimmed glasses were brushed on the top by his slightly shaggy, sandy blonde hair, and he walked in relaxation with grace and ease. I anlayzed this person and created an entire existence for him while he was buying his popcorn and soda, which took a really long time, by the way. . .Carmike. I decided he was a writer, go figure, who has been published before (so jealous. . .why can't I get my break?), and is staying in Longview to research his book on, well I didn't get that far, but I decided he had written several chapters that day and was going out for a movie to relax his mind before hitting the writing hard again the next day.
What fun people-watching is! If you haven't tried it, you should. It can be inspiring and just plain interesting. My experience was so interesting, I took notes. To write this blog. See, inspiring.
If you've seen Men in Black, you know that Tommy Lee Jones explains that a certain number of "humans" on earth are actually aliens in disguise. What he failed to mention is that they congregate at the Carmike Theater in Longview, Texas. That sounds severe, I know, so let's soften it and be more specific. What I witnessed was mostly the confusion and insecurity of junior high exemplified in dress and behavior.
This was the last weekend ahead of the start of public school, so I'm sure the kiddos were out in full force solidifying their alliances for the school year. When I was in junior high (shudder) I always had a list of people to call at the end of the summer to set myself up socially for the school year. You have to compare schedules and find out where lockers are so you can easily find one another at break and lunch and avoid the awkward "loner" moments and panic that comes with not having anyone to sit with. I was a poster child for insecurity in junior high. I didn't want to appear alone for even the shortest amount of time. Nevertheless, these poor kids. . .I can see things have not changed.
In my 50 minute adventure Friday night, I saw many things. I observed a faction of the pre-teen Mexican mafia act and react to stimuli in their natural habitat: the arcade game corner. There were young ladies that seemed to be skinny jean/punkish types on the bottom halves of their bodies, but something entirely different and preppier on the top. One group entered the lobby only to buy movie theater nachos, and then apparently left. I know I go out of my way constantly for stale chips topped with thick, congealed, re-warmed, processed cheese product. (??!) The plastic container is the cherry on top. Oh, and the fact that they cost $6.75!!!
I also saw adults that piqued my curiosity. Although, people that attend ten o'clock movies intrigue me in general. I admire them, as it's something I cannot accomplish. I haven't gone to a movie past nine o'clock since high school, and the chances are I didn't go then. I just said I was to stay out past curfew. Nowadays, I'm tucked in by ten watching The Nanny and it's lights out by 10:30. Anyways, back to these adults. One gentleman wore loafers, white linen pants, and a pale pink button down untucked. His wire-rimmed glasses were brushed on the top by his slightly shaggy, sandy blonde hair, and he walked in relaxation with grace and ease. I anlayzed this person and created an entire existence for him while he was buying his popcorn and soda, which took a really long time, by the way. . .Carmike. I decided he was a writer, go figure, who has been published before (so jealous. . .why can't I get my break?), and is staying in Longview to research his book on, well I didn't get that far, but I decided he had written several chapters that day and was going out for a movie to relax his mind before hitting the writing hard again the next day.
What fun people-watching is! If you haven't tried it, you should. It can be inspiring and just plain interesting. My experience was so interesting, I took notes. To write this blog. See, inspiring.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Acquired Fears
When I was a child, I spent my summers running barefooted around my cul-de-sac. I picked the legs off of grasshoppers and lowered myself to eye level with spiders, attempting to feed them, usually by throwing the legless grasshoppers into their webs. I crawled and laid on the floor of my garage and those of my neighbors. I ate before washing my hands. I drank out of the water hose. And, I just didn't worry.
These days, I cringe at the sight of nearly any bug and find a way to alter my path to avoid coming within its jumping distance. I don't even like sticking my hand under my bed for fear of what might be under it (I live in the country, folks. Brown recluse spiders and snakes are a realistic threat). It is always with scrutiny that I eat at a new restaurant or partake in a homemade treat made by someone I don't know, or trust. I drink only bottled water, although I'm working on that one. Why can't the ease of living we experience as a child be transferred to adulthood? I wish somedays I could unlearn all the facts that have taught me to worry and fear, but I can't. Truthfully, that knowledge is valuable, although cumbersome at times.
I came across a very large, terrifying grass spider the other day. Normally, I avoid even the tiniest of arachnids and wait for someone braver (like my 16-year-old sister) to come along and kill them for me. But at this particular time, I was interviewing a prospective employee and needed to appear as adult-like as possible. So, I gathered my wits, and from across the room, threw a magazine on top of the creature. I then cautiously approached the area and stomped the magazine a dozen times, and left the magazine in place, its weight guaranteeing my safety against any zombie-like characteristics this spider might posess. (Have you seen Arachnaphobia?!) Looking back, I see how this display most definitely secured my repuatation as a competent and professional person for the woman I was interviewing. What's more, I believe the spider may have already been dead, but I killed it more, because it was horrifying to look at. . . even in death.
After the woman left, I took a deep breath and lifted the magazine, and after two full minutes and ten tries, was able to scoop the remnants onto a sheet of paper and deposit it all in the trash.
Ten, twelve. . .wait. . . seventeen to nineteen years ago (HOLY COW!!!) I would have stomped the spider with my shoe, would have had great fun doing it, and then I would have gone about my summer day making mud pies. That's another thing - I hate being dirty now, and as a kid, I came home coated in dirt.
I taught a lesson last week that emphasized the importance of being child like when approaching the Kingdom of God. Such useful advice, but hard to apply, as most good advice usually is. I didn't worry as a child, and now I seem to worry about everything. I am making a conscience effort to stop, to approach life in general with a more child-like, not childish, attitude and outlook. God is going to take care of it all, but as an adult human it is often so hard to step aside and let Him. So, today's moral may be - the more difficult the advice is to follow, the more important it is that you do.
These days, I cringe at the sight of nearly any bug and find a way to alter my path to avoid coming within its jumping distance. I don't even like sticking my hand under my bed for fear of what might be under it (I live in the country, folks. Brown recluse spiders and snakes are a realistic threat). It is always with scrutiny that I eat at a new restaurant or partake in a homemade treat made by someone I don't know, or trust. I drink only bottled water, although I'm working on that one. Why can't the ease of living we experience as a child be transferred to adulthood? I wish somedays I could unlearn all the facts that have taught me to worry and fear, but I can't. Truthfully, that knowledge is valuable, although cumbersome at times.
I came across a very large, terrifying grass spider the other day. Normally, I avoid even the tiniest of arachnids and wait for someone braver (like my 16-year-old sister) to come along and kill them for me. But at this particular time, I was interviewing a prospective employee and needed to appear as adult-like as possible. So, I gathered my wits, and from across the room, threw a magazine on top of the creature. I then cautiously approached the area and stomped the magazine a dozen times, and left the magazine in place, its weight guaranteeing my safety against any zombie-like characteristics this spider might posess. (Have you seen Arachnaphobia?!) Looking back, I see how this display most definitely secured my repuatation as a competent and professional person for the woman I was interviewing. What's more, I believe the spider may have already been dead, but I killed it more, because it was horrifying to look at. . . even in death.
After the woman left, I took a deep breath and lifted the magazine, and after two full minutes and ten tries, was able to scoop the remnants onto a sheet of paper and deposit it all in the trash.
Ten, twelve. . .wait. . . seventeen to nineteen years ago (HOLY COW!!!) I would have stomped the spider with my shoe, would have had great fun doing it, and then I would have gone about my summer day making mud pies. That's another thing - I hate being dirty now, and as a kid, I came home coated in dirt.
I taught a lesson last week that emphasized the importance of being child like when approaching the Kingdom of God. Such useful advice, but hard to apply, as most good advice usually is. I didn't worry as a child, and now I seem to worry about everything. I am making a conscience effort to stop, to approach life in general with a more child-like, not childish, attitude and outlook. God is going to take care of it all, but as an adult human it is often so hard to step aside and let Him. So, today's moral may be - the more difficult the advice is to follow, the more important it is that you do.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
God's Lab Rat
I'm not saying God is experimenting on me. I actually mean this in the best possible way. I'm talking about God's will, and how He has a way of closing off or opening up certain areas to channel us in the right direction. In my life, He is doing this through added responsibility, and added challenges.
Responsibility from God is an honor. If He gives you a job to do, or two or three or four, feel blessed. I do. By my own request, and through a series of events, I've taken on a brand new leadership role within my church, I've got to step more fully into one I've apparently had, and I've got to expand my reach in a third. Each of these areas is challenging in its own way and I am being pushed as an individual to learn new things and strengthen myself in certain areas. Most importantly, these challenges have become integrated into my personal prayer and study life, and I AM GROWING!
I pray all the time for a better prayer life, and naturally, for a closer walk with God. I pray these things out of habit. And, although I sincerely desire those things (obviously) I never think too much about how God's going to bring them about in a tangible, visible or measurable sort of way. I've realized over the past week or so that He's been working on these things in my life for some time, and now, I must be getting to the place where my eyes are open, my vision is clearer, and I can really see how He's doing it. AWESOME!
I believe one thing that has brought this epiphany on, is the fact that I've stopped viewing my walk as "just for me." With the added responsibility, I've come to realize that the quality of my walk is going to directly impact the walks of others. If I'm not where God wants me, doing what He wants me to do, studying what He wants me to study, acting and behaving how He wants me to act and behave, how am I going to lead, teach and bless others? Everything is connected.
Example: If I don't pray and seek God before leading praise and worship, how will I know which songs to pick and what words to speak? I must be in tune (no pun intended) before my fingers hit the keys in order to be sensitive to the spirit and God's intentions for that service. THAT is an awesome responsibility, but an amazing blessing, too. To have such direction and immediacy in prayer! "God help me and lead me and show me RIGHT now, so I can do exactly what you need me to do RIGHT NOW." And, the results are immediate - I pray for God to use me, I tell Him in prayer that the talents and gifts He has given me belong to Him. Then I witness and feel Him use them for His glory. He tells me what to do, I do it, and then He goes to work. It's like an out-of-body experience. I watch and see what He is doing and I feel such closeness to Him, I feel such worth. I don't want this to sound like it's about me, because it's not. It's about Him. Just like an offering or any other sacrifice we offer up, God takes it and uses it in the way He chooses.
Thank you, God, for allowing me to work for you.
Responsibility from God is an honor. If He gives you a job to do, or two or three or four, feel blessed. I do. By my own request, and through a series of events, I've taken on a brand new leadership role within my church, I've got to step more fully into one I've apparently had, and I've got to expand my reach in a third. Each of these areas is challenging in its own way and I am being pushed as an individual to learn new things and strengthen myself in certain areas. Most importantly, these challenges have become integrated into my personal prayer and study life, and I AM GROWING!
I pray all the time for a better prayer life, and naturally, for a closer walk with God. I pray these things out of habit. And, although I sincerely desire those things (obviously) I never think too much about how God's going to bring them about in a tangible, visible or measurable sort of way. I've realized over the past week or so that He's been working on these things in my life for some time, and now, I must be getting to the place where my eyes are open, my vision is clearer, and I can really see how He's doing it. AWESOME!
I believe one thing that has brought this epiphany on, is the fact that I've stopped viewing my walk as "just for me." With the added responsibility, I've come to realize that the quality of my walk is going to directly impact the walks of others. If I'm not where God wants me, doing what He wants me to do, studying what He wants me to study, acting and behaving how He wants me to act and behave, how am I going to lead, teach and bless others? Everything is connected.
Example: If I don't pray and seek God before leading praise and worship, how will I know which songs to pick and what words to speak? I must be in tune (no pun intended) before my fingers hit the keys in order to be sensitive to the spirit and God's intentions for that service. THAT is an awesome responsibility, but an amazing blessing, too. To have such direction and immediacy in prayer! "God help me and lead me and show me RIGHT now, so I can do exactly what you need me to do RIGHT NOW." And, the results are immediate - I pray for God to use me, I tell Him in prayer that the talents and gifts He has given me belong to Him. Then I witness and feel Him use them for His glory. He tells me what to do, I do it, and then He goes to work. It's like an out-of-body experience. I watch and see what He is doing and I feel such closeness to Him, I feel such worth. I don't want this to sound like it's about me, because it's not. It's about Him. Just like an offering or any other sacrifice we offer up, God takes it and uses it in the way He chooses.
Thank you, God, for allowing me to work for you.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Neurotic or just punctual?
I am not a procrastinator. Not since my sophomore year of college anyways. I hate unfinished business, don't want it hanging over my head. In fact, I usually can't wait for my writing deadlines to arrive, because although I may have a project finished, I will not submit it early. I feel I should use every available minute and opportunity to further perfect it. So, most times, I am frantic for 7-10 days before a deadline trying to pick an article to death before submitting it by 9 a.m. on the deadline day (after reading it over a casual 6-8 additional times. . .you know, just to be sure).
Conversely, while working out I try to wish the "deadline" away. I just got off the treadmill a few minutes ago. I try to vary my routine, for fitness and to keep myself from going crazy. Tonight, I kicked my butt by maxing out for about 90 seconds, then walking at a brisk pace for 90 seconds. I went back and forth several times after a full 20 minutes of steady jogging. I like the brisk walking best, and when the 90 seconds started winding down and I knew I would have to ramp it up and kick my butt again, I relished my last few seconds of brisk walking. However, I never cheated, in fact I would usually push the speed button up a few seconds early. Surprise attack. On myself.
I'm not sure what the moral is here, other than this: Doesn't it feel good to just get it done?
My motivation at work has been fleeting lately. I get there in the morning all fired up, but by lunch, I'm pretty much done. I guess it's the summer mentality, and that's okay. Soon enough school will be back in and I'll be forced to dig for motivation at 3 and 4 in the afternoon because that will be the first chance I'll have all day to sit down and do desk work, project work, busy work. There will be so much to do, but I will get it done. And it will feel great. So, I guess it's okay to stare out my window for 10 out of every 30 minutes of the post-lunch work day. I'm getting plenty done in the morning, and I know me, when push comes to shove everything that needs doing will get done. Even if it's after lunch, even if it means breaking my brisk walk a few seconds early.
Conversely, while working out I try to wish the "deadline" away. I just got off the treadmill a few minutes ago. I try to vary my routine, for fitness and to keep myself from going crazy. Tonight, I kicked my butt by maxing out for about 90 seconds, then walking at a brisk pace for 90 seconds. I went back and forth several times after a full 20 minutes of steady jogging. I like the brisk walking best, and when the 90 seconds started winding down and I knew I would have to ramp it up and kick my butt again, I relished my last few seconds of brisk walking. However, I never cheated, in fact I would usually push the speed button up a few seconds early. Surprise attack. On myself.
I'm not sure what the moral is here, other than this: Doesn't it feel good to just get it done?
My motivation at work has been fleeting lately. I get there in the morning all fired up, but by lunch, I'm pretty much done. I guess it's the summer mentality, and that's okay. Soon enough school will be back in and I'll be forced to dig for motivation at 3 and 4 in the afternoon because that will be the first chance I'll have all day to sit down and do desk work, project work, busy work. There will be so much to do, but I will get it done. And it will feel great. So, I guess it's okay to stare out my window for 10 out of every 30 minutes of the post-lunch work day. I'm getting plenty done in the morning, and I know me, when push comes to shove everything that needs doing will get done. Even if it's after lunch, even if it means breaking my brisk walk a few seconds early.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Watching and Waiting
Faith makes things possible - not easy. Simple enough advice, but easily forgotten and often difficult to follow.
Our school is entering its seventh year. Biblically speaking, this should be the year that we see great growth and return, the year the fruits of our labor should be most evident.
I have been looking forward to this school year for some time. I feel like I finally have my feet under me and have an excellent staff behind me. This past year, and years prior, it seemed we were always just surviving, not being progressive. It felt like I was on a treadmill. I really wanted this year to be the one where new ideas could blossom and be put into practice. It was going to be a growing year, not just another maintenance year. Last week, my hopes were diminished some as I read a letter of resignation from the strongest and probably most valuable teacher we've ever had. I hold no anger toward her at all, and I support her decision to move on fully - she has left on nothing but good terms. However, the void she leaves behind is one only I can fill - for the time being.
At first, this turn of events discouraged and worried me, but then I remembered the phrase above. "Faith makes things possible, not easy." And, then I remembered another one: "If things are going wrong, you must be doing something right."
For a long time, I have felt that I needed to be more heavily involved in a certain area of the school, and I've never pushed myself into it because the staff member that resigned did such an excellent job in that arena. Now, I have no choice but to step into that place. Isn't God a wise Father. I had my plans for this year, but He has some, too, no doubt. And His are better than mine. Through this change, I've learned that no matter how inconvenient or unlucky a circumstance may seem, I should step back and think about what God may be trying to accomplish through it. Where is He trying to lead me? What is He setting up?
I know this staff member prayed and sought God in her decision. Likewise, I have prayed that God will enable me to fill her shoes, and give me the strength to fill my own at the same time. And I know He will do it.
Many people believe a life lived for God is dull, that there is no excitement. They are wrong. When God changes a circumstance and you know it's for the purpose of something awesome, there is nothing more exciting than watching and waiting for His will to be perfected.
Our school is entering its seventh year. Biblically speaking, this should be the year that we see great growth and return, the year the fruits of our labor should be most evident.
I have been looking forward to this school year for some time. I feel like I finally have my feet under me and have an excellent staff behind me. This past year, and years prior, it seemed we were always just surviving, not being progressive. It felt like I was on a treadmill. I really wanted this year to be the one where new ideas could blossom and be put into practice. It was going to be a growing year, not just another maintenance year. Last week, my hopes were diminished some as I read a letter of resignation from the strongest and probably most valuable teacher we've ever had. I hold no anger toward her at all, and I support her decision to move on fully - she has left on nothing but good terms. However, the void she leaves behind is one only I can fill - for the time being.
At first, this turn of events discouraged and worried me, but then I remembered the phrase above. "Faith makes things possible, not easy." And, then I remembered another one: "If things are going wrong, you must be doing something right."
For a long time, I have felt that I needed to be more heavily involved in a certain area of the school, and I've never pushed myself into it because the staff member that resigned did such an excellent job in that arena. Now, I have no choice but to step into that place. Isn't God a wise Father. I had my plans for this year, but He has some, too, no doubt. And His are better than mine. Through this change, I've learned that no matter how inconvenient or unlucky a circumstance may seem, I should step back and think about what God may be trying to accomplish through it. Where is He trying to lead me? What is He setting up?
I know this staff member prayed and sought God in her decision. Likewise, I have prayed that God will enable me to fill her shoes, and give me the strength to fill my own at the same time. And I know He will do it.
Many people believe a life lived for God is dull, that there is no excitement. They are wrong. When God changes a circumstance and you know it's for the purpose of something awesome, there is nothing more exciting than watching and waiting for His will to be perfected.
Monday, June 22, 2009
When work isn't work
Imagine being on vacation, but having to work. It's not that hard to visualize. I think most of us have had a working vacation at some point. I for one never went home for Thanksgiving or Spring Break while in college without the building blocks of a project or the outline for a paper in tow. Now, I carry writing assignments along with me. On the surface, I find that irritating, not because of the writing itself, but because of the leg work I have to get out of the way before I actually get down to doing what I love. . .the writing.
I carted along two articles on my family vacation to Tennessee a few weeks ago. Thanks to decent time management skills and an extremely stressful pre-vacation week, the articles were finished before we departed and all I had to worry about on the trip was making minor changes as fact checks came back from the people I'd interviewed. However, that experience has shown me that most of my free time is spent writing, preparing to write, editing what I've already written, or figuring out who I can write for next. In other words, I leave one job and come home to another one. But it doesn't feel that way. Yes, there are days that I would rather go home and numb my mind over with several hours of television, and I'll admit that I've given into that temptation more than once (especially when there are Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathons). I have to let my mind rest at some point. But, it generally doesn't happen two days in a row, or really, more than once a week, because it is not what I love. It is not what truly relaxes me. My writing does, and I am not at peace at the end of the day unless I have contributed something to that part of my life. Whether I write a blog, edit a section of the book, write a new section, research an agent, tweak my query letters, or work on a current assignment for a magazine or other client, I have to do something writing related, every day, or I'm just not happy. It is my release, my touchstone.
I believe God wired me that way. I believe He wants me to be a writer more than I do at times (dee-ta-dee). He has blessed this part of my life more than I ever could have imagined. He must be in it, because new writers don't find the work I've found on their own right out of the shoot. He always planned it, and He chose for me to have various and sundry experiences along the way to train me for it, to develop relationships and skills that would help me build this career. When I look back on all He has put in place, all He has allowed, I am overwhelmed by His awesome ability, His goodness, and His plan.
I know this is Him. When I am discouraged, something always happens to encourage me. For example, while on vacation, we stayed with my aunt and uncle in Mississippi and visited their church. I spoke to their pastor and pastor's wife about my book briefly a few months ago when they were here for my cousin's wedding, but have thought little about the conversation since then. I wouldn't say I was down about the book when I left on the trip, but it had been put on the back burner, and let's face it - getting fiction published is never easy. At the close of the Sunday evening service we were a part of, the pastor of this church stood before his congregation and praised my writing work and expressed how excited he and his wife were about my upcoming book. Prior to that, his wife had asked me about the progress and requested a copy. Those two experiences catapulted me back into the publishing endeavor. I was reminded that I am capable, that I am doing more than most attempt to do, and most importantly, that God has blessed me with a talent and I have to do all that I can to ensure He receives glory from it.
When I am lazy, something always comes along to motivate me. I will be in the middle of a lethargic and pitiful Saturday afternoon, watching a worthless movie I've seen 15 times, and all of a sudden a writer character will be introduced, or a scene will call to mind the quintessential writer's life. I am always imagining a cabin tucked in the mountains, or a cottage on the beach, some kind of retreat where I will stay while writing my 21st best seller. No matter the place, I am always in a sweater, with a cup of coffee, and I own a Grand Waggoneer. This is MY vision. Don't judge me! The point is, while I'm watching a movie or TV, or reading a book, a subtle, unexpected motivator always creeps in and I am reminded that "there is no someday." And, the cherry on top is: when I finally turn off the TV and put my butt in the chair, the chair I'm sitting in right now, I have a lot more fun and am far more relaxed than I was doing the other fruitless activity.
I carted along two articles on my family vacation to Tennessee a few weeks ago. Thanks to decent time management skills and an extremely stressful pre-vacation week, the articles were finished before we departed and all I had to worry about on the trip was making minor changes as fact checks came back from the people I'd interviewed. However, that experience has shown me that most of my free time is spent writing, preparing to write, editing what I've already written, or figuring out who I can write for next. In other words, I leave one job and come home to another one. But it doesn't feel that way. Yes, there are days that I would rather go home and numb my mind over with several hours of television, and I'll admit that I've given into that temptation more than once (especially when there are Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathons). I have to let my mind rest at some point. But, it generally doesn't happen two days in a row, or really, more than once a week, because it is not what I love. It is not what truly relaxes me. My writing does, and I am not at peace at the end of the day unless I have contributed something to that part of my life. Whether I write a blog, edit a section of the book, write a new section, research an agent, tweak my query letters, or work on a current assignment for a magazine or other client, I have to do something writing related, every day, or I'm just not happy. It is my release, my touchstone.
I believe God wired me that way. I believe He wants me to be a writer more than I do at times (dee-ta-dee). He has blessed this part of my life more than I ever could have imagined. He must be in it, because new writers don't find the work I've found on their own right out of the shoot. He always planned it, and He chose for me to have various and sundry experiences along the way to train me for it, to develop relationships and skills that would help me build this career. When I look back on all He has put in place, all He has allowed, I am overwhelmed by His awesome ability, His goodness, and His plan.
I know this is Him. When I am discouraged, something always happens to encourage me. For example, while on vacation, we stayed with my aunt and uncle in Mississippi and visited their church. I spoke to their pastor and pastor's wife about my book briefly a few months ago when they were here for my cousin's wedding, but have thought little about the conversation since then. I wouldn't say I was down about the book when I left on the trip, but it had been put on the back burner, and let's face it - getting fiction published is never easy. At the close of the Sunday evening service we were a part of, the pastor of this church stood before his congregation and praised my writing work and expressed how excited he and his wife were about my upcoming book. Prior to that, his wife had asked me about the progress and requested a copy. Those two experiences catapulted me back into the publishing endeavor. I was reminded that I am capable, that I am doing more than most attempt to do, and most importantly, that God has blessed me with a talent and I have to do all that I can to ensure He receives glory from it.
When I am lazy, something always comes along to motivate me. I will be in the middle of a lethargic and pitiful Saturday afternoon, watching a worthless movie I've seen 15 times, and all of a sudden a writer character will be introduced, or a scene will call to mind the quintessential writer's life. I am always imagining a cabin tucked in the mountains, or a cottage on the beach, some kind of retreat where I will stay while writing my 21st best seller. No matter the place, I am always in a sweater, with a cup of coffee, and I own a Grand Waggoneer. This is MY vision. Don't judge me! The point is, while I'm watching a movie or TV, or reading a book, a subtle, unexpected motivator always creeps in and I am reminded that "there is no someday." And, the cherry on top is: when I finally turn off the TV and put my butt in the chair, the chair I'm sitting in right now, I have a lot more fun and am far more relaxed than I was doing the other fruitless activity.
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