Where to start? When I was working at home, baking cookies, folding clothes, washing dishes (oh, okay, putting dishes in and out of the dishwasher), the thoughts rumbled continuous, not leaving me to work alone. Yet, here, now, in this coffee-house, I don’t know what to say or where to begin.
I read recently that blogger’s block was really being in a place of pre-writing – in a place where the ideas are forming. But it seems to me that if writer’s don’t practice writing, the ideas stop flowing.
Before school started, I made this schedule of what life would look like after school started. In that schedule, I had myself writing all five weekdays. Big school has been in for a month and preschool for two weeks, and this schedule of mine has yet to occur. This with me simplifying life.
Next month I hope to write 31 days of simplicity, and I had thought I would have more written by now. 31 days? Two ebooks? A blog post or two a week? Ha! Next month, I am going to Allume, and I am not even sure why – why when my writing has slowed.
I am learning that writing is a discipline that must be practiced just like simplicity. I wonder if it is not just that I am “too busy” being “simple” to write, but that I am too afraid of writing – afraid everything I do is for naught.
I am hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for God to use me to do something great for him, but what if the great moments of faith are happening in the everyday?
In “Practice of the Presence of God,” Brother Lawrence says,
“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”
Maybe the service I do for my family is not meaningless and maybe the words I write will not fall on deaf ears. Let me “not grow weary of doing good, for [I] will reap a harvest at the proper time if [I] do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)
What about you? Where are you on the journey today? Are their areas where you are growing weary? where your small sacrifices seem unimportant or wasted?
Sweet, weary friend, He is using you to do kingdom work. Your name may not be in the lights; your pastor may not even know your name, but there is One who calls you His. There may be some who call you mom, one who calls you wife, many who call you friend. Maybe you are co-worker and confidante.
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, keep on doing it for the glory of God. Your smallness is greatness to Him.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Photo Credit: David Leggett
oh jamie. thank you. thank you so much.
You are welcome, my sweet friend! I hope God ministers to your heart.
This is so beautiful. I find it unrealistic to write every day. It just doesn’t happen! But I have instead scheduled time twice a week. I wish it could be more, but in this stage, it just can’t happen.
Lately though God has been speaking to me about the greatness in the smallness. It sounds kooky, but so many times lately, I feel myself doing something small, mundane, that internal sigh, and I can almost hear God’s voice in my ear saying “This, this isn’t small. This is big. This is my work in you.”
Yes, I am hoping for once or twice a week, but we’ll see. I am trying to put a proper order to things and it’s hard.
Yes, – I love it: “this is big. this is my work in you.” Thanks, Aprille!
You are right on, my friend. The small IS the great when we do it out of love. That brother Lawrence book is one of my absolute favorites. You’re talkin’ my language girl.
Awesome, Dana! You almost always speak my language on your blog!
Thank you for your faithfulness to write and to be used by Him, even when you’re not sure what to say. You are a blessing friend…your sweet spirit, your heart, and your talent. Thank you for being faithful with your gifts.
Oh, Nancy – thank you so much! Kind and encouraging words – you are a blessing to me!
Jamie, I have older kids, and I too struggle to find time to write. For me, it does boil down to fear and to not believing I have something to say regularly. I’m working on it too!
I started blogging in 2012 thinking I’d post twice a week. I’m doing well if I post at least once a month! Perhaps we’ll meet at Allume!
Deb Weaver
thewordweaver.com
I would love to meet you at Allume. I will stop by and visit your blog later today!
I struggle with thinking my posts aren’t meaningful, that they don’t touch the heart. I am writing for 31 days, art and inspiration, sharing my personal art pieces with scripture. I needed to slow down and pick something not so intense on the writing, as I finish up my first ebook. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I am very excited about your 31 day series and your ebook too! Barbie – you have such a sweet spirit and I’m glad we met through the blogosphere. You touched my heart with your bloggy words when I needed it – so there is definitely meaning in your words.