There are weeks when urgent writings spring forth from a heart crammed with good things that simply must be shared. You awake early and hit the ground running because a persistent thread has woven itself into something warmly substantial through the darkest hours and just begs to be offered when light dawns.
Or a song, a word, an observation plays a winsome tune over and over and invites itself to be penned. A flash of insight comes out of left field and you just can't wait to put fingers to keyboard. Or perhaps God repeatedly whispers a persistent message and it calls to be placed on the table with awe and reverence.
Posts stack up in the queue, ripe for publishing.
And then there are other weeks when silence descends and there is nothing of significant value to place in the hands of others. Fingers are still, minds and hearts rest gently idle. There are no productive musings coming to call, no wisps of brilliance that await, nor any profound words of wisdom that are worth sharing.
And that, my friends, is as it should be.
A needed lesson pushes its way to the forefront, patiently waiting to be heeded. And once again we are reminded that we are not defined by our productivity, our creativity, or our accomplishments. We are defined by our Savior.
And He whispers, 'peace, be still.'
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visiting with Holley & friends
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Peace be still. Those are words that always bring calm to my soul.
ReplyDeleteSo true: "And once again we are reminded that we are not defined by our productivity, our creativity, or our accomplishments. We are defined by our Savior." Amen!
And if we ever needed calmness to wash over us it would be right about now ...
DeleteMy writing often comes in waves just as you describe, Linda, and then the tide recedes for a bit. We do need to remember that during those "dry spells," God is calling us simply to be still with Him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm with you, Martha. I'm not big on that push to force yourself to write. There's usually a reason why things are a bit dormant and the best way to discover fresh energy is to release any kind of pressure we put on ourselves.
DeleteSo true- sometimes we have a lot to say, other times we just need to be quiet and listen, and it's so important to remember that it is not our productivity that defines us.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe we need to be quiet and listen more? A lesson I'm eager to learn ...
DeleteThis is so encouraging, Linda - "And once again we are reminded that we are not defined by our productivity, our creativity, or our accomplishments. We are defined by our Savior." Such a great reminder. Thank you. I love the photos. The one of the sea gull especially speaks peace to my heart. :) Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteI love that little guy. He wasn't going anywhere no matter how close I got. His turf, I guess ...
DeleteThe joy of stillness and the chance to sit and be-how lovely! Your pictures bring us to a place that embodies the slow rhythm of your words. Peace my friend!
ReplyDeletePeace. Yes, yes ...
DeleteOne of His choicest gifts, isn't it!
Breathe in this quiet time. It's at these quiet times I'm most likely to hear my soul speak. I'm learning to listen. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, friend. It's nigh impossible to discern God speaking somewhere deep when we're surrounded by all that self-induced clamor and stress ...
DeleteI know what you mean, about the rush of things to say, and then the silence too! I love that beautiful picture you shared... the silence and stillness is as needed as the days of productivity... it all has an ebb and flow as the very tides of the sea... appreciate your words today :)
ReplyDeleteI love your description of the 'ebb and flow' of our schedules, our writing, our activities ...
DeleteThank you, I needed to hear this today! At the moment---all is silent!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
And sometimes all we need are a few stolen moments, yes?
DeleteI needed this today Linda! I haven't a post ready for today, and I could just write one quickly to get it done, or I could take a breath and take in this "needed lesson (that) pushes its way to the forefront, patiently waiting to be heeded." Those niggling feelings of being a disappointment to myself and not following the 'rules' of writing consistently can condemn me, or I can cease the striving and be free in His will. Hugs!! And thanks again!
ReplyDeleteOh don't you hate those 'writing rules' that someone somewhere made up?! What works for one often doesn't work for the other, leaving us feeling 'less than,' frustrated, discouraged ... and strangely depleted.
DeleteIt's for freedom He's set us free, isn't it ...
Peace be still.
ReplyDeleteI try to push past the guilt that this idea inevitably brings me. I mean, that I bring on myself. Work in progress!
Oh that enemy ... he just loves a good guilt trip, doesn't he ...
DeletePushing back against all his subtle attacks with you, friend.
Thanks, Linda. I need this right now. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrom my heart to yours, Lois ...
DeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI love the seagull looking so serious sitting on the fence! He's so regal and a fitting image for your words on stillness and silence and peace. Oh I can relate to the rush of things spilling over in your soul and schedule and that's when I crave stillness. I especially loved these quiet images of winter! xoxo
Hey Valerie ~ I do hate an overflowing schedule ... old age perhaps?
DeleteOr just sanity kicking in?
;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThis is great! Thank God, we are not defined by our productivity...that is a lie I've had to slay over and over again... as God reminds me over and over...you've read my book so you know how it came to be...Blessings and thanks for writing :-)
'A life I've had to slay over and over again ...'
DeleteNo one could say it better, Dolly. Isn't that the story of our lives.
Attn Readers: Check out my review of Dolly's recent release, '7 Days of Soul Care'
http://www.lindastoll.net/2016/11/a-short-stack-of-soul-stretching.html
I'm a fan!
I find myself in a difficult writing period myself, and I am trying not to worry about it. Your insight about peace and quiet is very enlightening to me. I think sometimes I am 'on fire' and can write forever, but then there are the days when nothing comes.
ReplyDeleteIt's all for reasons I don't know right now. But it's okay. Like you, I wait for the seeds to sprout. In the meantime, prayer is my best friend.
God's blessings,
Ceil
Let's throw worry to the wind on the creativity that God sends our way. Worry and wondering only serve to tamp down the joy He leads us to day by day.
DeleteSometimes the best thing we can do is close up our screens and go live our lives outloud. The seeds will sprout in their season.
And oh yes, yes. You've said it all. Prayer is our best friend, Ceil.
Thank You, Jesus.
{sigh} settling into this peaceful message, my friend. Shalom.
ReplyDeleteShalom.
DeleteYes, yes, June.
Weekend blessings to you, friend ...
Most definitely yes, as it should be. He is our maker and defines us as loved. Thank you Linda.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessed experience to invite Him to define our value, our worth, our beauty.
DeleteGrateful you're here, Debby.