Storm or Season?

I’m paying attention again.

I’d like to think that over this last year I looked both ways before crossing the street and shoulder checked prior to a lane change. But that’s not what I mean.

About two months ago I sat with my trusted counselor and recounted the flurry this year has been. I commented on the high pace of life and wondered aloud of its sustainability long term. After listening attentively he asked a couple of questions and then came a zinger – you know, the kind of question that seems so simple yet rocks your world. “Are you in a storm or is this a season?” he asked quietly.

To be sure, there have been elements of the last twelve months that qualify as hurricanes or cyclones – those times that are short lived and highly intense. But as I processed more deeply, I began to recognize that much of the year has been about re-entry adjustment. This is a season of being “in life” again and I’m figuring out what will be a maintainable pace.

I noticed that while many lovely people and opportunities have entered my world, one area has greatly diminished. Not surprisingly, the solitary, stay home activity that saved my sanity through the pain years lessened as my capacity to go and do flourished. Writing went from daily nourishment to a weekly post.

And I missed it more than I recognized.

So I began to pray and ask God to show me how to construct my life so that time with the written word could find it’s appropriate place in my new world order.

I’m not sure if God used this process to prepare me for the writing opportunities that are coming my way or, if my desire to write more consistently has heightened my awareness. Either way, I am putting fingers to keyboard more routinely and the benefits astound me.

I see things differently. My mind whirls with metaphors and thesis statements, sees life applications in tulips and weather patterns, and I look forward to word-smithing ideas again. I feel grounded and more clearer headed, like my thoughts and emotions are freed, leaving me lighter and focused.

And, writing is reinvigorating me because I must sit quietly in order to do it. I am forced – by choice, of course – to slow down, be alone, and quietly commune with God as I create. I am grateful and find it fascinating that everything else is still finding its place.

Writing won’t be life-giving for everyone (although the benefits of keeping a journal are impressive). Some paint. Others make lists. Many take pictures. But I wonder, do you know what it is that brings you stability in a storm? Do you have regular, life-giving activities in  your particular season? I hope so.
 
With love and gratitude,
Shelaine
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© 2017