As I sit down to write this post, my youngest daughter is beside me whining because I told her she can't play on the iPad any more today. A few minutes ago I settled a squabble between two of my sons. My ear is tuned to hear the buzzer on my washing machine downstairs so that I can put clothes in the dryer and place another load in the washing machine. In 20 minutes it will be time for me to make supper. I know many other writers understand, because we all have many demands on our time and energy. And yet, somehow, we all MAKE time to write.
Just for the pure fun of it, However, I'm going to put all my other responsibilities out of my mind and think about what I would do if I had a whole year to write without any limitations.
- I would spend time seeking God's guidance in my writing. I do that now, but my quiet times are often cut short by other duties and obligations. What a luxury it would be to have no limitation on time spent reading my Bible, praying, worshiping, and just being quiet in God's presence. I think my writing would be more focused.
- I would write more devotionals. The other day when I stopped to think about what I really want to write, it's devotionals. God is teaching me and has taught me many things I should share. Often I don't take time to write about these lessons. Sometimes I fight the need to be vulnerable.
- I would develop an online resource for Canadian foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This is something I've mulled over for years. Although there are many U.S. resources, there is no "go to" place for Canadians. For the past 8 years, I've had the privilege of editing In the Loop, a newsletter for foster, adoptive, and kinship families in north central Alberta. My dream is to develop an online community where foster, adoptive, and kinship families can find resources, share struggles without fear of judgement, and receive the support and encouragement they need. I'm taking baby steps, but a year without limitations would enable me to get it done faster.
- I would spend more time mentoring and encouraging new writers. I enjoy technology and explaining how things work. Helping people encourages me. I'm thankful my work with InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship gives me opportunities to share what I know, but I'm often frustrated by the time constraints I face.
Now it's your turn. What would you do if you had a year with no limitations?
Ruth L. Snyder enjoys exploring life's adventures through writing and photography. Find out more at http://ruthlsnyder.com.
Love how you sandwich what you'd do with your year between the realities of your life. Great piece, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, Lily :)
DeleteGood post, Ruth. I'm blessed with few distractions, my rabbit Deborah being the biggest of the bunch. Even so, I still goof off too much. I feel guilty about that but I press on.
ReplyDeleteI hope those walking distractions you feed each day become your inspirations. I hope that they inspire devotionals and articles, especially humorous ones. I wish you success and the time to buckle down so you can get your devotional book done.
Thanks, Bruce
DeleteMy "walking distractions" teach me many things and I have had the opportunity to put some of those lessons into writing. Hopefully I will write more about them in the future.
Oh those busy lives we all weave. Yet in it all everyone still has hopes and dreams. Hold fast to your dreams, Ruth because they have a way of coming true when we least expect it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouraging words, Vickie. I'm reviewing this post a few months down the road and God is refreshing some of my dreams :)
DeleteRuth, you are a mentor to me! May God bless you for taking the time to help those who ask!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Ruth, and what excellent, well-thought through goals. I for one appreciate the dedication you've given to your job as president of InScribe. You have mentored many and this is service to God. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your writing.
ReplyDeleteI hear that dryer buzzing...and what DID you make for supper? That's always my biggest challenge--and often a distraction as I'm trying to focus on my writing. Ahhh, what tapestries we weave with our lives...or should I say, what tapestries God weaves out of our lives. I'm glad you can keep that writing strand moving in and out of the weaving. And I would love to be under your mentoring tutelage.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the encouraging comments.
ReplyDeleteWe all face challenges in our writing, and I'm so thankful for the people who developed InScribe to support and mentor writers. I have benefited and now I'm also able to support others.
Connie, you make me smile :) For supper we had gluten-free spaghetti with Alfredo sauce, sliced ham, veggies, and some pie for dessert.
My first reaction was, "Wow, you wrote that in 20 minutes?!" No wonder you are able to get so much writing done by sandwiching it in-between jobs.
ReplyDeleteAnd my second thought was, "I wonder what they had for supper"! ha ha, and I see somebody already asked that same question!
Good job on both!
Pam
What a joy it is when our fur friends hang out with us as we work. I remember how my rabbit Gideon would loaf next to my desk as I worked. He could have hung out anywhere else but he chose to rest next to my chair and enjoy my company. Even today, Athena, my cat, will sit or nap next to me as I work. Even cats enjoy a little company.
ReplyDelete