Writer's block.
Yeah, it happens.
I looked up the definition in the dictionary:
Writer's block is a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task at hand. At the other extreme, some "blocked" writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers.
Wow, that sounds great, huh?
In view of that rather fatal definition, I suppose what's going on with me isn't so much a "block" as it is a *snarl.*
Kinda like a hedge of tangled roots and branches.
A traffic jam.
A jambalaya jumble of juxtaposed junk.
(Phew! At least I haven't lost my alluring ability to alliterate…)
And it's not that I've lost my creative edge – (at least I hope not) – it's more that my brain is going in too many other directions right now.
And my little gray cells are pooped!
Ever feel like that?!
It's interesting, this writing business.
Even if the writing is "just" on a blog. I actually have great respect for us blog writers. It requires discipline and dedication. It requires inspiration and perspiration. Writing is writing…
Sometimes the words flow like the mighty Mississippi – and sometimes they trickle like a drippy faucet.
LIKE. THEY. ARE. NOW.
There is a certain temptation to start posting less often. But I know, at least for me, that that really shouldn't be an option – at least for right now. For me, I know that God has lessons for me in the discipline of my little schedule.
So, here I sit on Sunday evening, with little to write about.
My mind is on a million things.
My kids, my husband, my parents, my health, my finances, my living situation, my future…
My, my, my.
Oh, Lord.
Here is Your word for me today – I am focusing on the wrong things.
Our pastor is doing a new series on worship.
He defines worship this way: "Responding to all God is…all He has done, is doing and will do…with all I am."
I love that.
For it re-adjusts my vision from earthly things to heavenly things. It takes my eyes off of me, and puts them onto God, where they belong in the first place.
Perhaps this is why I've been struggling with writing lately. I've been looking inside myself for inspiration. I've allowed myself to get caught up in the competing thoughts whirling around my head, vying for my attention.
In my search for words, have I forgotten The Word??
Yes, the cure for the confusion of words in my mind is the Sword of the Spirit.
So, let me share some thoughts on worship, based on Scripture:
It is active – praise is an active decision to pry our hands off the things of this world
"…fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever." (Revelation 4:10)
It is humble – in which we lay our crowns before the throne
"They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…'" (Revelation 4:10, 11)
It is courageous – bravely and willfully turning our back on the world and its ways
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world…" (Romans 12:2)
It is sacrificial – giving up any claim to please oneself
"…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1)
It is complete – holding nothing back
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)
It is surrender – saying no to me and yes to Him
"'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" (Mark 8:34)
These were the words that washed over me this morning in church. And I am greatly blessed by their Truth.
My writing isn't MY writing – it's an expression of my worship to God. And if it's not, if I lose focus and start worrying about MY words, then it will all add up to exactly NOTHING.
Our pastor finished this morning by asking this question:
What is Jesus asking you to surrender?
Well, I suppose I never really thought about surrendering my writing, my words. I've held on rather tight to this creative process, as if I had something to do with it.
Lord, forgive me – it has been Your gift from the beginning. And I am called to use it for YOUR glory.
I tell you what – I am learning one thing very clearly.
If I get all caught up in the "snarl," then I have lost focus.
"'You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'" (Mark 8:33)
OUCH.
So, maybe I need to take another look at this "writer's block" thing – maybe it's just a chance for me to listen more. Maybe it's a time to worry less about my words, and concentrate more on His Word. Maybe it's time to re-focus – to worship more than wrangle words. To concentrate more on prayer than prose.
Sure, I'll still be writing.
Because God is still talking to me.
But, I'm gonna let Him sort out the traffic jam in my head.
Fortunately, when we can't find words that come easily, we can always rely on the WORD!!
Do you ever suffer from "writer's block"? What do you do about it?
Linked today with:
Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Yes, I sometimes suffer with writers block my friend, I just pray, and wait.
ReplyDeleteOh Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to so much of this. But your words here inspired I am sure by Our Lord, certainly flowed and spoke to me. I am in a bit of a fog at the moment, many changes, many adjustments and yes many worries. But on the other hand much to be thankful for and many blessings.
Think I have not just got writer's block, but readers block too, especially, when I want and try to read His Word, but read it I will.
God Bless - Nita
Only you could have writer's block and then come up with something so beautifully written about it. Sharon, God is clearly working in your life! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes -- that irksome old Mr. Block. He's unwanted yet still shows up. Francine Rivers told us that after she got saved she couldn't write for quite a while. She soaked herself in Scripture and when God was ready for her the writing came back. I find when my head is full of life sometimes my heart gets sluggish. I hate it, too. I've been riding through several states and writing Sociology activities for professors to use and overloaded not only my brain but my husband's too!
ReplyDeletePraying life slows down for you,
Pamela
Bless you Sharon... I could not resist this... I wanted to go to catch up on others but this one bit me first.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely are not suffering from WRITER'S BLOCK as you started because as you did begin to write, I noticed the creative juices rise up and start to ooze over and flow more and more and you certainly got it together.
Great reflection! Great questions!
what do I need to surrender? every part of me that is not what He desires in me
I suffer greatly from too much whirling around in my head or too many choices but I go off in tangents unlike you, so in that part I can relate. I think the "snarl" is more of the issue, the "tangle" of many thoughts. That captures my writing and me to a "T".
But Do you ever suffer from "writer's block"? What do you do about it?
No. 1st because you have to be a writer for that and I'm not but I love to share and verbally spoken is much better for me than written. Maybe not anymore. Just loosing touch. However, I do find if I'm in God's Word or a special song or after praying or come across something in my reading that stirs me then I just step out and begin, as you did, God seems to take over and flow. I also find that the more encouragement you get along the way (if it's the right way), the better you go.
I know that God ordains our steps or our words if you just take the initiative and of course, ask and seek first from Him and He does add...
You have such a way... and concise manner of writing your thoughts even when you think they're "blocked" or entangled. Well done, my friend... Joan will relate to this too... probable many will...
I love the points you shared on "worship" and tied it in to this. You are so right... your writing is HIS!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
Love you, and I'm praying believing,
Peggy
Sharon, I can relate to having too much on my mind and focusing on little. But I love what you wrote. When I asked the Lord to show me what to write about this week, He reminded me of Pastor Miles (McPherson) urging his listeners to tweet and FB those things that jump out at us in sermons and personal studies. So you can imagine how I felt reading this post! Ha.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Mary
I have to slow my mind down and not think so much! sandie
ReplyDeleteYep. I do, but then again you know that. I've told you. I loved the way you bring into focus the fact that our block is so often caused by the noise in our heads. I would say that you nailed that one dead to rights.
ReplyDeleteI also liked how you called it being caught up in "the snarl" and the "traffic jam" in your brain.
Too often I blame it on not having words in my head. You have given me a different perspective to think about.
I've been basically away from the computer for days now so it's going to take me a while to catch up. To top it off, this borrowed computer is difficult.
You know how well I can relate to this...I've been struggling all month. However....on Saturday we were able to get outdoors and walk at our favorite nature preserve. It wasn't long after being on the trail that ideas began to form in my head. Amazing how, after spending a little time surrounded by His creation, that my creative juices began to flow.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit "the nail on the head" when you wrote of getting the focus off of ourselves and on to Him. Much of my focus of late was in our circumstances--not on Christ.
Many blessings,
Joan
Fantastic post, Sharon! So many of us bloggers go through times of "snarl" in our brains! Your words are so true...writing is an expression of our worship to God. And so, as we worship Him, we need to take the focus off of ourselves and onto Him! During the dry times, He is still at work, growing, stretching and teaching us! When the lull is over, He will have given us more to share, and more likely on a deeper level. What a blessing!
ReplyDelete're-adjusts my vision from earthly things to heavenly things'
ReplyDeleteSharon, surely a word for me today.
God bless, I followed you over from Wanda's site.
Sharon, I sure understand about the mind being on a million other things. I suppose it happens to all of us but we just need to refocus as you said.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with all of this! As always, your points are so clear and well said.
ReplyDeleteOn another note... we got out issue of Cowboys & Indians today... guess who I saw??? :)
Hi Sharon, this is my first visit here and I see you are also a writer. I have two books published, and try to avoid the whole topic of writer's block by following this advice: "when you can't write, write anyway." I pick a topic and write! My most recent blog post is titled "The Path and Prayer."
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.
I think too many times we depend on our own talents and abilities in whatever we do and forget to let Him guide and direct. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
This was great! I actually typed "Why am I having writer's block Lord?" into google and hit search- YOUR blog was First on the list and exactly what I needed to hear. God used you to speak to me and I thank you for being open to Him so He could reach me. :)
ReplyDeleteDoeray (Author: Visions of the Never Seen)
My keyboard for God's glory