allume

real light living

How to write something meaningful

By

Stand up to Live Thoreau Quote

Original Photo Credit

I want to write.
I want to write something.
I want to write something meaningful.
Something meaningful.

In a world with so much noise and chatter, I want to write words that make a difference. I want to write words that matter.

I want to write words of truth and joy and life,
words that inspire, equip, and encourage.

I want to write words that lead to the Word.

But sometimes, the effort of creating concepts and writing words — and then showing and sharing and soliciting help — wrings me out and wears me through!

I work hard and steal away moments: I push and I push and I push,
only to come up dry. empty. flat.

Sometimes I’m pushing so hard to write something meaningful, I fail to live a meaningful life.

Friend, some of us need the encouragement to start — to finally be disciplined, diligent, and direct.

But some of us? Some of us need the courage to pause — to remember that we don’t have words to write if we don’t have a life to live.

Some of us need to be nudged out of our routines and off of our plans — we need to close our eyes and breathe deep, throw our heads back and laugh.

We need to seek wonder, see beauty, spontaneously move.

Sometimes, we need to be reminded to take. a. break.

If we want to write words that bring life, we must bring life to our words.

So the next time you want to sit down to write, make sure you’ve first stood up to live.

 

Learning with you,

e.

Comments

  1. As one who has felt as if she had little to offer in the way of words lately, this is so timely. Thank you for giving me permission to pause, to stop, to live life so that I can be filled up with His beauty and have His words to share.

  2. This is exactly how I have been feeling… I like my routine, MY plans, but lately I think it’s been stifling me! Here’s to seeking wonder and being spontaneous… and then writing something! 🙂

  3. Oh, girl, you are singing my song! I think it is the song of all who write for the Lord. And getting more caught up in the writing before getting caught up with the Lover of our Soul will shut down the creative flow in a heart beat. Good Post! Thank you!

  4. I was feeling a little uncomfortable that I was neglecting my writing because the living was irresistible. Spring has finally arrived and I’m so excited to be outside getting my hands dirty and reading on the patio, and looking at tadpoles with my grandson. Perfect timing.

  7. “So the next time you want to sit down to write, make sure you’ve first stood up to live.”
    LOVE this line. I need to write it down as a quote by my computer desk. Thank you Erika! Beautifully said!

  8. Amen. I’ve been quiet this week because there hasn’t been any movement to write. My attention is required at what is right in front of me. Life!! When this season of busy and crazy and neediness is over, there will be words, His words, to write. For now, it’s toys and naps and dinner and everything else. 🙂

  10. Often it is when I feel I am fumbling my words the most, God uses them to encourage someone. I know it’s Him in me in those moments that is touching the lives of others and nothing I could do myself. Wonderful post!

  12. Such a good reminder in the midst of busy. It’s been a tug of war to enjoy vs. produce. But so true are your words “If we want to write words that bring life, we must bring life to our words.” thanks!

  14. Mmmmm. Filing that thought. I think I may need it sometimes.

  16. Amen sista’. I’ve had an enforced slow down this past 2 months due to various circumstances & it is only this last week that I’ve stopped feeling guilty for having to slow things down. I now choose to enjoy myself and receive what God has for me until the time I can write more again. Thank you your great words:)

Categories

Archives

Google+