I know, I know. It’s been complete crickets over here and I’m sorry. I know you all aren’t wailing and gnashing your teeth because of the absence of my voice from this very small pocket of the internet but I do want to update you all as to why it’s been a little quieter these days.
As some of you know, I’m about to sign a contract to write Heart Sisters
God chisels hard when writers write, when singers sing, when painters paint and actors act. The process is excruciating and lovely, painful and peaceful, heartbreaking and healing.
Yet the fruit that’s produced is always the sweetest kind.
Because God has called me to this project, I’ve had to lay down other areas for the time being because I still have three kids, a husband and now, because we aren’t always wise, two big, goofy yellow Labs to love. And a cat. But the cat’s the most independent in the house so that’s good.
When God has called you to something, other things must be called-out.
I’ve had to call-out my need for visual peace in my home. I’ve had to call-out my desire to write on this blog three times a week. And I’ve had to call-out consistent posting on social media because God has said “Not this, daughter. This.”
Sometimes, I feel God’s call to do something and I mistakenly interpret this as addition. He’s adding something else on top of what I’m already doing.
But really, when God calls us to something, He’s actually subtracting. If He’s calling you to a work only you can do, He’s asking you to subtract the stuff that doesn’t matter so you can do what does.
Which doesn’t mean this blog doesn’t matter because oh, my . . . This is my first baby.
But eventually, our babies grow and become more independent and we can then tend to new babies.
Alas, I’m tending to this new baby. A baby yet to be born but a baby that is indeed chiseling me, dulling sharp edges and sanding- away pride. Chipping me into a more definite shape and smoothing those parts that hurt.
What if we listened, really listened, to the task God has asked us to complete with the mindset of subtraction rather than addition? What if we have grace with ourselves and recognize we can’t do it all? What if we had the courage to lay-down the stuff God doesn’t care about and pick-up what He does?
Let’s try it.
I’m posting a few times a week over on Facebook because I can easily add mini-blogs and the community there is fun and active. I would love to connect with you there so click here if you don’t already like the author page and then we can catch-up over there.
I’ll return with more consistency in February because it’s International Friendship Month and we’ll do all kinds of giveaways to celebrate . . .
And I’ll be back next week to post our Christmas card and to wish you a very merry . . .
In the meantime, subtract, sister. Don’t add. Then breathe. We’ve got this.
I love this so much!!! YES!! “Not this, daughter. THIS”
I’ve been hearing that a lot lately also.
Thanks, girl. It’s a good thing to hear, isn’t it? When He shows us how to balance the equation? So thankful for the Spirit’s leading. <3
Praise God you are so good at math! Will keep you on my prayer list as you do the hard work.
Thanks, Clover! You are a dear. <3
Your wisdom is such a blessing to me, Natalie. God knew how much I needed that lunch date with you. He knew my thoughts about not being able to do a, b, or c with the girls during this season. He knew how I struggled with not volunteering for x, y, and z this year. Mostly, He knew what I would face over the weekend with Mom (who stood with toes a mere micro-milometer from the finish line all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and how I would need the strength and love and prayers and fresh air you provided. You gave me permission to subtract everything – EVERYTHING – except those four most important people. Five, because you encouraged me to include myself on that list. You make me cry with gratitude and relief every time I think about our lunch and your sweet puppies who loved me. I thank God for you!
Much love to you, sweet friend. I’ve been thinking of you so much and praying for you. I wish I could have traveled to Anderson to be with you. <3
Wow. I needed to hear this so very much. I have probably said that exact phrase many times about . . . well, that’s not really important here. (The phrase, “on top of everything else”.)
I am humbled. And a little sad and concerned. Because recently, I have soooo relished in my ability to maintain control over things that you even pointed to (a beautifully adorned space). I have even, dare I admit, been frightened to give-in to my heart’s call for a third baby. The reason is because I am frightened I cannot control everything; control myself, control my kid’s, control my husband with his other out-of-control paternal obligations, control my living space.
I wonder what I will have to subtract in order to make time for my children’s laughter and peace?
Oh, yes. The whole control thing. I get it. Really. I do.
You’re wise to explore this and ask God to show you where your desire for control is overtaking authentic joy. I speak from experience. :)
I’m working on a post to add tomorrow about how fast this whole parenting thing goes. Trust me . . . Subtract as much as you can. That laughter, those memories…They move at lightning speed. <3