As you already know if you follow my blog, I had a different year in 2017. My mom lived with us for seven months before she passed, and after that I couldn’t seem to engage in my writing. I’ve kept up with my blogs, but my novel plans have languished. I needed to grieve and to heal.
Then two things happened:
- My husband and I read a devotional writing this morning (mid-March) that revolved around Ecclesiastes chapter three:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (verses 1 and 4b, NIV).
My mind went to seasons and times, and I realized that I had spent enough time in this season of mourning. Yes, it’s important to mourn, and I will never forget my dear mom, but I think it is time to move ahead.
- That same morning, I received a phone call from a dear friend. “My neighbor called me,” she said, “and told me she can’t find your third book in this latest series.”
from pixabay.com
Hmm. That’s because it’s still in my head and on my heart. It has not yet fully migrated to paper and certainly hasn’t come near publication. I confessed this to my friend and she said, “I thought so. You had told me about your mom, and I told my neighbor. We understand.”
But her words were the kick-in-the-pants I needed to confirm the nudge from Ecclesiastes.
This missive is to inform you, my faithful blog-followers, that I have re-engaged in my novel activities. I have been writing, with paper and pen at the moment, a manuscript that will become the third book in my In Search of Freedom series. I plan to use a somewhat different format, so it’s a challenge, and that’s another reason I’ve been procrastinating. It’s scary to try something new.
If you are a praying person, I could use your prayers. I’ll let you know how it’s going, and please feel free to contact me and ask, or to offer another gentle kick-in-the-pants to keep me motivated.
Thanks for listening, and I wish you a day that matters.
We all have seasons, Jan. It’s okay.
Interesting how that works. When my dad was in hospice I wrote more, then after Dad died, I wrote again, but that time it was something different, a story for my grandchildren and great nieces and great nephews in story form about what Dad taught us. That turned into the story Harry’s Trees that has been published. Also the stories for Good Grief People in that time. A way of processing the grief. For you it was different again.
Thanks for responding, Carolyn. I did some note-taking while Mom was here, and one friend continues to ask me if I’m going to pursue that and create a book. I hope to, sometime, but so many other writing projects on the menu right now.
I’m glad you had that wonderful relationship with your mom. Mourning is an important part of life and is good for our health. I’m glad you’re back to normal life, though. Interesting how God uses ordinary events to speak to us. I continue to pray for your writing.
Sheri
Sent from Windows Mail
Thanks, Sheri. And thanks for your continued prayers and caring.
Blessings on you, Janice, as you get back to your project–the one your readers are waiting for!
Thanks, Sharon. What’s that quote from Lewis Carroll? “The time has come, the walrus said…” Yes.
So enjoy your books and look forward to reading the 3rd book in your latest series. God Bless and give you the insight and the words that you need to do that.
Thanks, Olivia. It’s people like you who keep me working at it.
This is so true, isn’t it? It’s OKAY to be in a season of rest, reflection, mourning or whatever, otherwise our writing might be forced. God’s timing is everything!
Yes, you’ve had your time of enforced rest, so you know what that’s like. I wish you all the best as you follow God’s plan for your life.