“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience.
Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”
(Harold Glen Borland – a nature journalist who wrote poetry, fiction for adults and children, and other nonfiction. 1900-1978)
As a writer, I need patience and persistence. But I am more than tree and grass. I’m a creative emotional being with spirit, mind, and soul, who struggles with waiting. Right now I’m in squirm mode—between book contracts. I’m lowly bait, a worm on a hook writhing with concern over my writing career. Pathetic, fickle creature.
I recently read patience is the level of endurance one can take before falling into negativity.
Thoughts such as:
-I won’t get another contract because I’m a lousy writer.
-Writing is too much effort for the reward. I’m dangling on the end of a hook, remember. And it’s not the first time either.
The psalmist understood fickle creatures and negative thoughts. And of all things, he preaches back at them with a pep talk regarding God’s love.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” Psalms 42
In squirm mode, I’m itching for action.
Anything to hope again.
Even preaching to myself.
Preaching to myself . . . I guess I could clean my desk so I can read my inspirational plaque: Live creatively.
I could tape my theme scripture on my bathroom mirror. “Explore who you are and the work you’ve been given. Sink yourself into it. Don’t be impressed with yourself or compare yourself to others. Be your creative best for you.” Gal 6:1-5
The psalmist reminded himself of wonderful experiences of past worship. I could search my prayer journal and see what God’s accomplished in my life. Perhaps it’s time to browse my writing scrapbook, or make one.
I suddenly see it. My writing lull is a comma, not a period. It’s a gift of time from a loving God. I can use it to rethink priorities, set writing and marketing goals, hone new skills. Persistence urges me into action and hope marches up my spine. I shiver with delight. Yes, there is hope in the waiting.
Even so, a negative thought returns. Working without a deadline? Impossible.
No!
I preach to myself. Soul, you’re strong in Christ.
Waiting is extra time. A gift from God. Praise Him.
I don’t want to squander my time wallowing in negativity when I have a gazillion better choices. I will catch up on life. Ideas pop into my mind of ways to bless my family and friends. Or I could use my time to practice self-discipline. I’m not pathetic or fickle. I’m normal. I’m also chosen, forgiven and loved. I find another blessing. Waiting makes me thirsty for living water.
Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for the water brooks,
so my soul pants for Thee, O God.”
Beyond the tree and grass and worm is a larger stream. I can wait in confidence that He’ll nudge me along in His time.
What uplifting sayings or verses do you cherish?
What blessings do you experience in wait mode?
WordServe Water Cooler 
I’m blessed by your words, Dianne. Waiting, yes, the Lord tells us to wait. We do such a poor job of it. And patience as part of the fruit of the Spirit … why did He have to put that in there?
As you say, waiting is extra time. Such a gift! And too often I miss it. Thank you.
You’re so welcome Samuel. Yes…a fruit of the spirit, one writers either need to cultivate or remain miserable. Blessings to you,
Dianne, I tried to “follow” your blog; couldn’t find the trigger. Or do you post only on Wordserve (which I’m already following)?
Amen! Waiting can be one of the most useful and blessed time in our life if we focus less on what we could be doing and take time to use that time for other things.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for the comment. I may put it on my desk….waiting can be a blessed time if…
It helps me to know we can cheer each other on.
This post speaks to me very much right now. I am always astonished at how much faith the writing life requires: faith that I’ll have something to say, that the words will come, that the writing will find its audience. It helps to remind myself that I’m currently living just one little chapter, and my life is an entire book; there is more beyond what I am experiencing right now.
I like what you say about reviewing your prayer journal and reminding yourself of the blessings that have already appeared up in your life. It’s so easy to forget that (at least, it is for me!). Thank you.
Hi Ginny,
After reading your comments I’m thinking that we are blessed to be writers because we have such a great chance to grow in the Lord. Thanks for sharing.
Good words, Ginny!
Dianne, I am right there with you! I am not waiting for a writing contract, but I am waiting for something. I am waiting for a job offer, so that I can relocate to Ohio. My Pastor, felt the calling to start a church plant in Ohio (His hometown). Several of us felt the push of God to go to Ohio and help. Well, we were one of them…..as others traveled off, found jobs & homes. We are still….as I call it, in limbo. I have had several job interviews this past week, so I am hopeful! It has been a year of patiently waiting on God. Like you, I preach to myself to make myself feel better. But, than I realized I don’t need to do that to myself. Why? Because, I already know how Great my God is! So, now all I am saying is “Thank you, Lord Jesus for what you already have done” I am proclaiming my blessing before I have it!!! All will go well with you and your writing contract! Thank the Lord! 🙂
Hi Linda,
That’s a really big move for you. I’m actually getting goosebumps while writing this. I can feel your faith. I’ll pray for open doors for you and lots a blessings your way.
As I’m awaiting the publication of my first novel in February, I’ve heard this from enough writers that I’m mindful that the waiting game will return. Even though the sequel is contracted, I know I’ll be practicing pitches and querying again some day. It seems to be the lay of the land now for everyone. Publishing houses close their fiction lines. Upheaval and mergers change everything.
The “gift” in all this seems to be the return of time and space to write more, to spend time with family and friends, to market less, and to sit under trees admiring God’s creation. Already, I feel the lack of those things. I’m glad all of this is in God’s hands. Trusting him and not listening to discouraging lies are the lessons!
Hi Melinda,
How exciting for you. I recall the deadline madness and all the activity surrounding such a commitment. Ha. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? And yet………….we love writing!
We do! Writing has been one of the biggest faith builders of my life! It reveals me to myself and teaches me so much about clinging closely to the Lord! I have grown as much in faith from being a writer as I have from being a mother!