Writing Through – The Emotional List by Angela E. Arndt

Angela E. Arndt

This began as a post directed toward those writers who struggle with chronic illness, but as I wrote, I realized that these points apply to any writer. There comes a time in our writing life when we think we've reached bottom. We want to quit. We think there's no place for us. But before we throw away our adverbs and delete our weasel words, let's try focusing on these nouns for just a bit:

Contentment

We all have a tendency to compare yourself with others: number of books published, awards and good reviews received. (And yes, Christians do this, too!) Something I’ve learned is that everyone doesn't produce at the same rate. Some may produce two books a year, while other may take two years for one book.

But what if we looked at our writings another way? What if we were grateful for whatever we're able to write? A very wise woman (waving at Reba J. Hoffman) once told me that if your glass is half-full, drink what you’ve got.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Patience

We have a rescue dog that has been abandoned more than once. Whenever we leave, we have to put the trashcans away because she’ll dig through them for food if we’re gone too long. (Her definition of “too long” is anything over fifteen minutes.)

I wish she knew that while she’s digging in the trash for scraps, I’m bringing home the expensive all-protein, best-thing-next-to-filet-mignon dog food that the vet says she needs. She just needs to wait for me to come home.

 

The picture of patience ... um, no.

Don’t we act like that sometimes? Rather than trust our Creator for what’s best for us, we panic and grab what’s available. 

"Wait upon the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." Psalm 27:14a (KJV – because that’s the way I memorized it.)

Perseverance

We doubt our gift. We doubt we’re called to write. We doubt that anyone would want to hear what we have to say. The key to overcoming such derogatory self-talk is to keep writing. (If God has put this dream in our heart, we have little choice anyway.) If we just persevere, some day we'll accomplish His purpose. 

 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6. (ESV)

So, if you struggle with the writing life, how do you cope? Do you have any favorite verses or quotes that help you? Please share them with us below. (Don’t forget, comments are moderated, so it may take a minute to show up.)

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If your glass is half-full, drink what you’ve got. @rebahoffman Click to Tweet

Do we scramble through the trash or wait for the “good stuff?” Click to Tweet

Do you ever doubt your calling? What helps? Click to Tweet

Update:
This was waiting for me when I got home from choir practice tonight. A picture says a thousand words.