We are experiencing what might be called by some, interesting times. Others might call it downright scary or at least unsettling. I’m reminded of a favorite Bible passage: Philippians 4:6-7. The answer to anxiety is found right there!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Three things:
- Pray
- Petition (ask for what you need)
- Thank
We are going to concentrate on the third “tool.” Not just thanking God (which is important) but enumerating each blessing. Writers have some unique situations that are real blessings in this interesting time. I’m going to start a list and ask you to add to it in the comments. Here goes:
Blessing #1: Most writers’ offices are already at home. Everything’s at hand to write without having to relocate.
Blessing #2: Had this happened last century, with libraries closed and on site research impossible, it would have hobbled us, but these days we have the internet (love it or loath it) with more resources than we can ever use.
Blessing #3: Our families are used to living on meager rations (like no eggs, milk or bread in the house) during deadline fervor. They are immune to food panic.
Blessing #4: With kids and spouse at home, surely they can pitch in to do the daily chores to allow you to continue to work. Right?
Blessing #5: Writers need time to plot and plan. Lots of alone time. With no luncheon get-togethers, meetings or car-pooling, we writers should be able to plot or plan a number of books.
Blessing #6: Writers also need space to dream. Michael Hyatt suggested this today– “Ask yourself, “What does this make possible?” Why not make a little space for yourself to consider new possibilities? I say, pour a steaming cup of coffee or a cup of fragrant tea, grab your fountain pen and a notebook and start doodling ideas.
Blessing #7: I’ve had more communication with editors this week than I’ve had in a long time. This is just a guess but I’m thinking that, as they are now set up to work at home, they have far fewer office responsibilities and long meetings and more time to dig in and work.
Blessing #8: Fashion takes a backseat and gives us more comfortable writing time. This may not apply to our male writers but with stores like Ulta and Sephora closed for the duration, I’m thinking we need to ration cosmetics and go barefaced, no matter how scary. Plus I’m guessing we’ll have far fewer blondes and seeing more and more silver hair if this lasts for any length of time.
Blessing #9: And speaking of fashion, you may have started out thinking that without having to go to meetings or out to pick up the kids, etc., you’d opt for worn jeans and a soft tee. As things tightened down, you might have even pulled out the old sweats. It won’t be long until we’re staying in the softest PJs we have.
Blessing #10: The way we writers have always connected online, we’ll have no dearth of friends during this time. We introverts were made “for such a time as this.”
I could go on and on but we writers are uniquely blessed at a time like this. Please comment and add your blessings to the list.
Sending sanitary, long-distance hugs to our whole Books & Such community.
Publishing Success: Find the Right Idea
Thank you for your positive outlook, Wendy. As an introvert, I’m finding crossing things off my calendar often feels freeing, though this would be depressing if we couldn’t stay in touch online and by phone. I discovered another plus yesterday when a young college friend put out a plea for editing work because she’s lost her job. Gave me an opportunity to get some help with a few writing projects I’ve ignored far too long, and bless her at the same time. Stay safe and productive, everyone.
Wendy, you have brightened my day and made me smile.! Phil. 4:6-7 is my go-to verse in times of stress. Thanks for your insight today.
Do not take counsel of your fears,
nor commune with doubt and dread.
Square your shoulders, dry your tears,
and chart your course ahead
through times that may be troubled, yes,
but know you’re not alone,
and thereby do not need to guess
if the road leads home.
These times can shape nobility
or turn character to dust,
but it’s in your ability
to take a knee and trust
the God who made the sky of stars
to hold us close, for He is ours.
This is great, Andrew. Thank you. It gave me goosebumps!
Oh my, dear Wendy, this is perfect. Yes, writers have so much to be thankful for. Believers are especially blessed because we know God will use this whole thing for good.
I chuckled at these words of yours: We introverts were made “for such a time as this.”
My daughter and I feel like many other introverts who are saying they’ve “been practicing for this their whole lives.”
Humor helps.
My heart sincerely goes out to the extroverts. This must be hard on them.
In the meantime, I’m praying this situation becomes an undercover blessing by drawing us and the world closer to Jesus. Cause when it’s all been lived and done, our relationship with Christ is what matters most.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Wendy Mac, my oldest daughter is an extrovert, and she’s struggling to stay home. But with all our favorite places closing, it has helped to settle her mind and frustration. She’s not missing out on anything. We love walking, but it’s been raining so much. I think today will be a pretty day, and we can get outside more.
Dear Shelli, you and I are blessed to have space around our houses so we can enjoy the outdoors without leaving home. By the way, I love the tiny flowers you posted on Instagram. 🙂
We have no reason to plan anything right now–what to serve company for dinner, when to take parents or children out and about, where to stay for an upcoming trip…My mind is in defrag mode, clearing space for other thoughts. And that, for me, is a blessing.
I appreciate your positive attitude.
Another advantage is that we – and other people – have more time to read.
For several years I wrote every day, but gradually I allowed the business of life to take over. Beginning in January this year I felt such a yearning to write again and decided to put writing back on the top of the list, but each day began with things piled up that urgently needed to be done so writing was shoved out of the way.
This time of self-isolation is just what I needed. I pray I can use it wisely!
Wonderful to see Books & Such grounded in Christian teachings. Praise God for the supportive work you do, and the much-needed inspirational posts and stories you’ve gotten out to the world over the years! Thank you!
I am thankful for B&S. You’ve been a blessing for many years even though I am not a writer.
Regie
Keith is meeting with his Oreo (cat) at the Rainbow Bridge.
I am thankful for B&S. I am not a writer.
Regie
Keith is meeting with his Oreo (cat) at the Rainbow Bridge.
I’m used to being home alone or having alone time to write. But with everyone working from home, my husband has the office. And too many people are coming and going to work at the kitchen table. So we set up a makeshift desk in my bedroom. When the door is shut, everyone knows I’m working. Only I’ve been leaving the door cracked for the cats, and well, that little crack somehow allows in everyone else, too. Ha! I’ll have to seal the door come Monday. Now I’m trying to unravel the mystery as to why working in a busy coffee shop doesn’t bother me but working in a busy home does. I think because I’m left alone at the coffee shop, no conversation while I’m writing and consistent noise. Who knows? Sending hugs to everyone in such a strange time.
Dear Shelli, I giggled about the cracked door letting in more than the cats. 🙂 I will be dealing with that situation when kitten Deja moves in. But my daughter did make a sign for my door that others abide by if I use it. I only put it up when I’m writing longer pieces. It helps me stay focused because I feel like I need to be honest to the “Writer at Work” hanging on my doorknob.
Yes, Wendy Mac … my oldest daughter needs a sign for her door, even though she’s upstairs. We call up to her–What are you doing?–just when she’s knee-deep into study, etc. She needs a “Do Not Disturb” sign. 🙂
I love this. It’s always beneficial to look at what we’re thankful for rather than what we don’t have. Thanks for the great reminder.
Wow, this is quite the Blessings list!
The first thing I thought of when ‘In-Shelter’ was announced is that book sales should skyrocket when everyone gets bored of Netflix.
Also, Blessing #8 made me laugh out loud, as I am a blonde in need of a touchup.
Nice meeting you in Lauraine’s class at WCCWC, Wendy. I’m loving this blog. 🙂
I found this in my KEEPER Folder, March 9, 2021, as I was moving to a different email server – date this was published is actually coming up on an anniversary – loved finding it like this.
I was nodding and chuckling as I caught some of what I actually have seen come to pass here.
I’m SO glad it was in my KEEPER FOLDER – great article and still appropriate for me, since I’m from MI, and lots of things are still closed. My drs won’t allow me in a grocery store – I cannot do in-person appts with my reg dr or my rheumatologist – only the most specialists of specialists… sigh
I’m SO glad you wrote this!
Praise God. A friend shared this with me today. It’s confirmation since I prayed Phillipians 4: 6 & 7 on the way to the Dentist.
I love the Lord.