“NA-NO-WRI-MO”

A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 29th)

REFLECTION:

My reflection for this week is probably best told just as it unfolded for me…

I had been pondering a different idea for this week’s post. The general theme seemed pretty clear, but I could not find the right words or the deeper inspiration to write about it. I kept editing and revamping, struggling to clarify the precise message. I was determined to keep trying, all the way until Friday, hoping to have something meaningful come together.

Then, on my morning walk a few days ago, I noticed this bridge hidden in brush and weeds (in the above photo). Its symbolism was profound for me – I have a path to follow, I just need to remove the obstacles! So, I began writing about that. Soon I was struggling and stymied all over again. It seemed as if the problem was with the traveler more than the bridge.

As I continued to ponder and pray, I happened to listen to an old Rob Bell “Robcast”; in this episode, he mentioned that there are times when we benefit from letting go, even letting go of things in which we have invested much time and energy. That very same day, I received an email from podcaster and writer, Sarah Werner, who was asking herself and her fellow writers, “When is it time to move on?” The following morning, I had an email from Greg McKeown, author of the book, Essentialism. His One-Minute Wednesday subject line read: “You Need A Break.”

I sensed God was repeating – and repeating – the same message, because God knows me well. Once I am on a mission, I become quite determined (stubborn) to finish what I begin, to keep my commitments, to be faithful to my regular readers. But it certainly seems that my message for this week is: “It’s time to take a break from your blog writing.”

At first I felt reluctant to take time away, but in these past few weeks, I had been feeling more repetitive, stale, and lackluster with my weekly posts. As this idea simmered in my soul, I realized that the quality of my writing is more important than the frequency. I then made the decision to pause my blog writing for the month of November.

The invitation is timely. For many writers, this coming month is called, “NaNoWriMo” – National November Writing Month. Each year, November serves as a prompt for us to be more intentional about working on our books or other writing projects. As I pause from my blog posts, I plan to finally edit the draft of my long-neglected book. But I also hope to replenish my spirit with lots of reading and reflection. It is time to fill my soul with the wisdom and inspiration of God through other writers. And of course, I will begin to contemplate the season of Advent, my favorite time of year!

So that was my invitation for this week – but today I am wondering if my invitation may also be meant for you.

Is there something you have been clinging to, pushing through, struggling with, that you simply need to let go?


As always, I will hold you all in my heart and prayers this month. See you in Advent!

BENEDICTION:

As you go about your daily life
may you attend to deeper meaning.
May you notice all the quiet nudges
and the wisdom you are gleaning.

May God give you good clarity
for which purposes to pursue
to help you find and keep the ones
which are genuine and true.

May you even hear the whispers
you may not wish to hear;
just bear in mind how much God loves
and holds you close and dear.

May you check your motivation
and let God help you decide
what is pure determination
and what is stubborn pride.

May each new day bring inner joy
and purposes that bless
while tending to your spirit –
knowing when to work and rest.

May your life become a vessel
of God’s love poured out through you,
but keep your vessel lifted up;
God’s love will pour in, too.

BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:

Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)

The plans of the mind belong to mortals,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:1-3(NRSV)

And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:19-20 (NRSV)

We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 (NRSV)

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NRSV)

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Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Photo by Karen