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
