This Writer’s Scattered Thoughts

I wonder how many other people, especially writers with life to live as well as their “writing lives,” ever find their minds circling in so many directions they say, “Stop the world, I want to jump off?” Or, is it just me?

Many things can circulate through my mind. It’s so hard to shut off thoughts and listen to the call to “Be still and know that I am God.” Or, “Be anxious for nothing.”

A high-school classmate posted on Facebook: The great thing about living in a small town is . . . if you don’t know what you’re doing, someone else does.

Could that someone else please tell me what I’m meant to be doing when there is so much going on? And all those to-dos, have-tos, and shoulds continue to twirl around in my head!

Since writing was already on my mind, I listed the current events, all those things to do (with what appears to be, so little time):

Waiting on the status of my most recent submission Yearning to write something nonfiction, using the Nebraska sense of place I so love Determination to write new words Nagging manuscripts that need another going over Read and respond to e-mail Networking and author blogs (in other words, Internet time) Bible study and prayer time Exercising, cleaning, spending time with family Check goals list; check off accomplishments (they’re always there—whether I feel like I’m getting anything done or not).

What popped out on that list is how far down I wrote Bible study and prayer time. Oops. As a Christian, there lies the answer to chaos and craziness. Seeking God should be the very first item on any list I make.

I’d say it’s way past time to get my scattered thoughts back into balance. And address what I have control of at this given point in time.

***
I wrote those words yesterday. Today I spent two hours before I ate breakfast, at the table with cooling green tea beside me, digging into my Beth Moore (now, there is a writer!) study of the book of Esther: “It’s Tough Being a Woman.” You bet.

And it can be tough being a writer, a wife, a mother of grown children in these economic times, a grandmother, a sister, a friend, a church worker. With all my human frailties, I’m reminded He chose me before time began. He’s with me today. He will never leave me nor forsake me. I’ll get done today what He plans for me to accomplish. My future is with Him. What security.

So, a little self-talk here: LoRee, scatter those anxious thoughts to the wind, and rest assured. All my work will be done, in His time. Begin with today. Each “today” goes much better, no matter what I face, if I begin today in the Bible and with prayer.

Posted for: Loree Peery by request

3 comments:

Tracy Krauss said...

I think you have expressed what so many of us face these days - overcommitment in terms of our 'to do' list, and undercommitment to our relationship with God. Well put and very thought provoking...

Melissa Amateis said...

I've deliberately set out to lead a quiet life - Paul says this in Thes. 4:11: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life." That doesn't mean I don't have things to do, but the things that used to be important to me really aren't anymore. I don't have cable, which has freed up a lot of my time. I don't have my daughter involved in a million and one activities (she has her private art lessons and school and that is enough for her right now) and that lessens the stress on us considerably.

I've discovered that the simple things in life really are the most important things: playing a card game with my daughter and laughing; snuggling with my husband; taking a long walk by the lake and looking at the changing fall colors; having a piece of chocolate; lighting my autumn-scented candles, and so, so many other things.

LoRee Peery said...

You sound like you've grasped an enviable peace, Melissa. I have to remind myself to strive for that. With this big family of mine, and looking back on my own life, there's always been a crisis worthy of a soap opera script. Our Lord is bigger than any crisis and it's easy to give Him the big things. I admit to letting the little ones pile up.