“If it’s God’s will, he maintains it. If it’s your will, you maintain it.”
Anonymous (Artwork by Kelly Rae Roberts)
As good as feels to be paid for my writing, I’m questioning if 20 plus magazine, newspaper and website articles a month is what God had in mind when together we set out on this writing path.
The post about busyness got me thinking whether I’ve traded our partnership for a sole proprietorship.
I’ll take almost any writing job that offers a chance to research and put together an interesting article. The past few months, assignments have snowballed alongside offers to teach writing classes, and a mention here and there about editing.
All good stuff, right? Except the few things that have slowed considerably lately like God’s nudges, inspiration, and the secure feeling of his guidance.
I guess I’ve been too preoccupied to notice. But still, I don’t want to slow down.
And why not?
Because busy makes me feel productive and paychecks sometimes feel more reliable than God.
Because it takes more effort to change than to keep down the busy path I’m on. Plus, uncertainty is uncomfortable.
Because I feel in control when I’m busy, and right now I’ve got life under control (laughable, I know).
Mostly, I’m not sure I can muster the faith it’ll take for an updated assignment, not from an editor, but from God.
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – “If it’s God’s will, he maintains it. If it’s your will, you maintain it,” said a friend. In that case, unless I’m into high maintenance, mustering faith to slow down and listen is the only choice.
Click here for more artwork by Kelly Rae Roberts.
Kim, I love reading your blog – even if I don’t have a chance to comment! But today’s post resonated deeply. I struggle with this continually. Thanks for your honesty and your wisdom!
Blessings, E
Thanks, Edie. I love reading yours also. I know you write a lot more than 20 a month. I don’t know how you do it!
I’d still love to host your blog tour if you’d like. Let me know.
Good post Kim. I haven’t written much of anything since January and I miss it. Even though I have had a good excuse it was easy to give myself permission to put writing on the back burner. Now I have to start all over with disciplining myself to write every day. Sometimes it’s either feast of famine. Good thing we have God to intervene and pick us up or slow us down.
You certainly do have good reason, but I know what you mean. When it’s time to get back to it, self-discipline feels nearly impossible. For me, starting is the hardest part. I hope you and your daughter are doing well.
Loved this article. Nothing beats having God lead the way.
Thanks, Cynthia. It’s the best when I’ll get out of the way!
“If it’s God’s will, he maintains it. If it’s your will, you maintain it,” Wise words indeed. Words I need to remember!
Why don’t we listen? Maybe because it takes more effort sometimes to stop the whirlwind we’re in and make a conscious choice to listen. I tend to be a tumbleweed flitting here and there. I need to be secured by the Rock ;D
You’ve brightened my day twice now. I think that’s exactly it – listening and living intentionally takes effort. Throw fear into the mix and instead of doing the right thing, I’m running down the road, flailing my arms and reacting. Quite a scene, I have to tell you. : )