“...she was opting out of the sheer gift of being wowed.” - this convicted me in the best way. Thank you, as always, for giving me a grounding word to consider.
The tears slipping down while reading this post lend credibility to the Voice that has been calling, rather persistently, to be freed from concern over expectations of what is regular, normal even...and to pursue with hope the words that stick in my heart regarding Abraham, that he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6). I've come to find this type of righteousness is about belief in God, AND about moving forward--stepping out in faith that God ACTUALLY calls individuals to something special- often not what the world sees. Day by day, as the call gets further in the past, it's too easy to rationalize and justify not acting on the call to share deeply of what He desires in the world- or waiting on more affirmation to step forth in faith.
Righteousness IS for each of us (Rom 4:23) and Abraham is a prime example there was a definite call and then much to be done while hanging on to that call...without the constant reassurance that it was real! I'm so glad he did!
Stephanie--Accepting the call AND stepping out in faith--this is the message I am reminded of as I read your words because they resonate so deeply in my heart that I know, even though "constant reassurance," isn't a given- God IS so gracious, and has sent it through YOU and this beautiful sharing of your talent! Thank you!!
mmmm... this was exactly what I needed to read today.
I meant to wake up and be productive, but that's not how the day went. Instead, I woke up and was surprised by a coffee delivery from someone new in my life and spent several hours in discovery and conversation and laughter and pleasure. And when she left a part of me was berating myself for not choosing the to-do list and the productivity plans and the necessary hustle and grind of this self-employed writerly life.
And maybe it wasn't an eclipse or even the stars, but i chose to spend a few hours filling myself up with something wonderful - and this helped remind me that those moments will always find their way into my writing somehow.
I often teach Mary Oliver's poem to my own writing students
“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
I tell them that I can't think of any better instructions for living a life, or for writing one. We writers tend to think that the final line, the 'tell me about it' bit, is the largest part. And sometimes we get fairly good at the first, at the attention necessary to write. But I have found that, for most of us, it's the be astonished part that slips by the wayside the most often.
And I agree with you, it's the awe and wonder that matters the most.
Thank you for this gift and reframe today. Much needed and deeply appreciated.
Shout out to Hannah Brencher for recommending your site. I am a becoming-writer and again hear I have a testimony message to write about a truth that I hope will be noticed by who needs a "casting of the common uncommon." Thank you.
"I dislike pretense and overpromising and bad metaphors." Everybody loves a quick hit of get-to-know-you in the "like/dislike" trope, but seldom have a seen one that makes me go - what?! Yes! Insightful and clear-eyed. I love it. It makes me want to be more creative and revealing in my introductions.
Such great inspiration for the start of the year! I'm trying to make space for this budding craft in me; your encouragement is brilliant and so kind. Thank you.
I loved this when I first read it. Just now, tonight, taking out the rubbish/trash (UK/US!) and before rushing back inside (it's cooooold here in the UK!), I stopped to look up at a totally clear night sky—crisp and sharp. Beautiful. I thought about what you wrote about the stars. Every night! It happens every single night! What a wonder. What a gift. Thank you so much for this. ✨
“casting the common uncommon”--yes. and may it be so.
"What gets our attention, in writing and in life, is the familiar made fresh, and that takes craft and intention." 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This was so lovely. Thank you! This is one of my goals in writing this year: to cultivate my craft so that I can "make the familiar fresh."
“...she was opting out of the sheer gift of being wowed.” - this convicted me in the best way. Thank you, as always, for giving me a grounding word to consider.
The tears slipping down while reading this post lend credibility to the Voice that has been calling, rather persistently, to be freed from concern over expectations of what is regular, normal even...and to pursue with hope the words that stick in my heart regarding Abraham, that he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6). I've come to find this type of righteousness is about belief in God, AND about moving forward--stepping out in faith that God ACTUALLY calls individuals to something special- often not what the world sees. Day by day, as the call gets further in the past, it's too easy to rationalize and justify not acting on the call to share deeply of what He desires in the world- or waiting on more affirmation to step forth in faith.
Righteousness IS for each of us (Rom 4:23) and Abraham is a prime example there was a definite call and then much to be done while hanging on to that call...without the constant reassurance that it was real! I'm so glad he did!
Stephanie--Accepting the call AND stepping out in faith--this is the message I am reminded of as I read your words because they resonate so deeply in my heart that I know, even though "constant reassurance," isn't a given- God IS so gracious, and has sent it through YOU and this beautiful sharing of your talent! Thank you!!
mmmm... this was exactly what I needed to read today.
I meant to wake up and be productive, but that's not how the day went. Instead, I woke up and was surprised by a coffee delivery from someone new in my life and spent several hours in discovery and conversation and laughter and pleasure. And when she left a part of me was berating myself for not choosing the to-do list and the productivity plans and the necessary hustle and grind of this self-employed writerly life.
And maybe it wasn't an eclipse or even the stars, but i chose to spend a few hours filling myself up with something wonderful - and this helped remind me that those moments will always find their way into my writing somehow.
I often teach Mary Oliver's poem to my own writing students
“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
I tell them that I can't think of any better instructions for living a life, or for writing one. We writers tend to think that the final line, the 'tell me about it' bit, is the largest part. And sometimes we get fairly good at the first, at the attention necessary to write. But I have found that, for most of us, it's the be astonished part that slips by the wayside the most often.
And I agree with you, it's the awe and wonder that matters the most.
Thank you for this gift and reframe today. Much needed and deeply appreciated.
Shout out to Hannah Brencher for recommending your site. I am a becoming-writer and again hear I have a testimony message to write about a truth that I hope will be noticed by who needs a "casting of the common uncommon." Thank you.
"I dislike pretense and overpromising and bad metaphors." Everybody loves a quick hit of get-to-know-you in the "like/dislike" trope, but seldom have a seen one that makes me go - what?! Yes! Insightful and clear-eyed. I love it. It makes me want to be more creative and revealing in my introductions.
Thank you for this wonderful letter and blessing to writers!
Bravo, Stephanie. Thank you for the reminder :)
Yes to all of this. Also Karla (K-money) Colahan for the win! She’s fantastic.
Thank you for this encouraging message. That last line... wowed me!
Such great inspiration for the start of the year! I'm trying to make space for this budding craft in me; your encouragement is brilliant and so kind. Thank you.
Thanks you for that blessing. I felt it. 'Stars still Blaze.'
I loved this when I first read it. Just now, tonight, taking out the rubbish/trash (UK/US!) and before rushing back inside (it's cooooold here in the UK!), I stopped to look up at a totally clear night sky—crisp and sharp. Beautiful. I thought about what you wrote about the stars. Every night! It happens every single night! What a wonder. What a gift. Thank you so much for this. ✨
I love this invitation... to "Make ‘em a cereal box eclipse viewer of their very own." I will be using this one. ❤️