Tag: writer

  • Place

    Trying to find my place in this whole big world. I feel I’ve been trying to do this my entire life. Where is my rightful place? From the beginning, I was the oldest of three siblings. My younger sister came two and a half months later; then my brother years later. I don’t remember a time when it was just me. Then I married young, as a teenager, not long after graduating from high school. I went from under my dad’s wing to under my husband’s wing.

    Children came quickly. I learned I was again pregnant when our first delightful baby boy was only 3 months old. Shocker of shockers! But then our smiley, lovable daughter came to us 9 months later.

    Caring for two little ones took up the majority of my time. When they became school age, I researched for a long time trying to discern God’s will. We chose a combination of parochial and public schooling. When homeschooling began to become more well known, I chose to be a home school teacher to first our ADHD child, and then later to our daughter.

    Now both children are out of the house—empty nesters. At first, I was thrilled to think of no more chauffeuring back and forth, fees for various events, and out of my hands now. But that’s not true. Once a mother; always a mother! Then came precious grandchildren. So now, I add long-distance Nana under my titles. Which I love being a Nana, but hate the long-distance part of the equation. I like the saying: Grandparenting is a chance to make right the mistakes you made with your own kids.

    Daughter, sister, wife, mom, homeschool teacher, coach, referee, driver, mother of the groom, writer, Nana. Now back to just wife, writer. Where is my place now? I feel displaced and exhausted. With all the roles, I’ve been handed in the past, where do I fit in now? My energy level and zeal has waned.

    Life seems to happen to me and there’s precious little time for doing what I’d like to do—what I feel I was called to do years ago. To write another book sounds like a monumental task. Yet, I feel the story is in me. The story needs to be told for further generations, don’t you think?

    God planted the story within me along this journey called life. To not tell the story would be wrong. Tell my children and grandchildren what God has been teaching me along the way. Hoping they will excel and not make the same mistakes I did growing up. Maybe this is my place now.

    As I think of other family relations, Timothy was a much better person and follower of the Lord because of his grandmother and mother. Paul (an apostle in the Bible) tells us in the first chapter of 2nd Timothy:

    “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

    *****

    This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.  Join me and others as we reflect on, and write about one word each week for only 5 minutes.

     

  • Do you consider yourself an Encourager?

    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”—Hebrews 3:13.

    We must not give up! Some days and hours are just tougher than others. We all have days when we feel good about ourselves, our family, and the world in general. But there are also those times when we feel the entire world is against us.   purple-white crinkle flower (Copy)

    I get that. I’m with you and have the same types of ups and downs. My ups and downs may not be the same as yours, but nevertheless can be defeating. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to encourage each other. Daily. That’s a whole lot of encouraging. He knew that as humans we are likely to forget yesterday’s triumphs. For me, a good feeling is easily replaced by a not-so-good feeling. If one person make a comment about my work that I consider negative, my mind lingers on that thought a lot longer than a praise note.

    That’s why we need a lot of cheerleaders in our life to counteract the naysayers…those who think before they speak. I understand the need for people to critique. I’ve been amazed at the great counsel that comes from writer’s groups and friends who work with the English language on a daily basis. Great value comes from another set of eyes to look through my work.

    The problem comes from when one or two negative comments cause me to quit writing or creating all together. Through the years I’ve learned there is something to be learned from every commentary I receive. Asking God what portion of this information I need to take to heart and what part do I need to discard and forget. God is my ultimate source of critique. His wisdom trumps all others.

    Prayer of encouragement: Dear God, may I be the one to communicate hope and light to someone in need. I know that when I share with others the blessings go both ways. Amen.

    How about you? Do you have a resource to filter your writing or creativity mode through? Maybe it’s a writer’s group or group of friends whom you trust their intuition. If not, why not make that a priority this week to find at least one other unbiased person to share your talents?