Time to withdraw?

“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”

Going through a rough patch right now? Possibly your creativity has all but stopped. Maybe life seems unfair as you battle depression, a job loss, or rejections from numerous publications? Has the weather got you down due to seeing only snippets of sun in the last week? It’s tough to write from an empty heart, but then again, it could be rewarding in the end.

"Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors."

“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”

Take comfort in the fact that Jesus himself felt the need to withdraw from the crowd. In fact, Luke 5:16, states that he often withdrew – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus felt it necessary to come aside, how much more should I? While away, scripture says that he prayed to his Heavenly Father.

Dear God, you are my Rock, my everlasting shelter in the midst of a storm. You do not waver and your love and mercy has no limit. Thank you for being my steady, solid anchor. I can depend on you no matter what I may face today. Amen.

There’s no reason to feel guilty about taking the time to take care of me. This valuable period is worthwhile, nurturing, and necessary.

When you and I do return to the masses (or just our family and friends), we will be a much better happier and healthier person for having taken the time to slip away into the wilderness.

Light shines brightest in darkness

“In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it” — John 1:4–5/Amp.

Do you realize that you speak words of Light and Life to many in darkness? As men and women of God, each of us holds within us a special, unique tale to tell. Consider: If I don’t speak, then who will?    

Light shines on pinecones (photo by Steve Lasher)

Light shines on pinecones (photo by Steve Lasher)

You may feel like no one is reading, listening, or appreciating the message you share. But many are reading your words, given by God, to touch and encourage hurting hearts. Truth spoken in love may bolster someone who feels worthless. Your words can give a teenager reason to feel beautiful or give a prisoner hope.

Just yesterday two people commented on how much they appreciated my Facebook posts and my blog. Those affirming words will help sustain me into another week of sometimes thankless wordsmithing. You and I may never know every person who reads our content. But God promises that his word will not return void — meaning those words possess the power to transform lives.

You are making a difference in this oftentimes cold and cruel world. Your light shines brightest in the darkness. So don’t give up.

***

Maintain a steady course

Winter Wonderland Creekside (photo by Steve Lasher)

Winter Wonderland Creekside (photo by Steve Lasher)

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” — Psalm 13:5–6 (NIV).

Feeling a bit in the dumps today? Unloved? Unrecognized? Unmotivated? One five letter word may be what you need to hear and focus on. T-R-U-S-T. Trust in God, his unfailing love, and the gift of free salvation.

In the Old Testament, God brought Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness, out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. The journey involved bumps, doubts, and inevitable pain. This may be what you’ve experienced with your writing career journey. Both acceptances and rejections are part of an overall plan.

Rather than remain bogged down in the negatives, why not choose to celebrate mini-victories along the way.

  • Maybe you received a thank you for a heartfelt note you wrote to a friend in need. Success!
  • What about an article you researched and later published in a church newsletter? Victory!
  • You volunteered to facilitate the discussion in your small group meeting — another success!

    Winter berries (photo by Steve Lasher)

    Winter berries (photo by Steve Lasher)

God is there congratulating and encouraging you to keep on writing and telling your unique story. Don’t give up; rather continue to keep trusting God through the slow and tough times. You’ll be glad you did!

“I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms — I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers” — Psalm 13:5–6 (The Message).

Endless circle

“Will it hurt?” I ask
He casually remarks,
“Hopefully not;
I’ve done this before.”
“Well, this is my first time.”
“Your finger’s quite swollen and red.”
“Yes, it was injured.”

A special tool
Slices back and forth
Vise grips pull apart
The constricting band
Leaving a noticeable indent
Upon my skin
I try to be brave

Circle … broken now    
Tears flow
37 years ago
Pastor raised this wedding band
In front of God & witnesses
“See, this ring has no beginning/end
A continuous, endless circle”

At this moment,
there is a beginning & end
Have I failed my commitment?
I reason …
‘Tis only an object,
a mere piece of gold
With a touch of bling

37 years mingled with …
Joy
Pain
Doubt
Guilt
Elation
Contentment

Even though the symbolic circle’s
Been visibly broken
The severing cannot eradicate
Blessings of children & grandchildren
Adventures together
Near-death experiences and
Faithfulness within marriage

The one who cut my ring
Cannot take my soul or
Erase memories
It’s not really about the ring
But about the person and
Commitment to my mate
And to marriage itself