A Cup of Grace – with a shot of espresso

After a total of about six weeks away from home, I’m having trouble picking up writing again. It’s a lot like starting over. Before I left, I had a good rhythm going. I wrote daily, and though the editing was never easy, the ideas seemed to flow naturally. However, if memory serves, that wasn’t what it was like at first. I didn’t experience the flow of thoughts until I made it a daily practice of writing. I forced myself to sit down and write, regardless of how I felt or my nagging to-do list. After several days of this, writing became less like a chore and more like something I was eager to do. Now, I return after a near six week hiatus, and somehow I’m surprised that this is hard again. (I’m having a similar experience with the discipline of exercise.) 

If I drop my expectations of “ease” and return to what I’ve learned, the first key, it seems, is simply to show up. Sit down and face the blank screen and begin somewhere – anywhere – just begin. (Get up and put on workout clothes. Walk into the gym or outside and do something – anything – just begin.) Then, just as important, don’t give up in the first fifteen minutes when it seems so hard. I can’t give in to the desire to go throw in a load of laundry or do some other chore – anything to get away from this uncomfortable feeling. I need to face the discomfort, sit with it. If I walk away every time I’m uncomfortable, nothing of value will ever happen. 

So, I set a goal. I pick a minimum. Write for 30 minutes. Exercise for 30 minutes. I have permission to walk away for the day once I’ve met that goal. And today, that might be all I do. But if I hit that goal, I have won the day. Tomorrow, I will return and do the same thing. 

Thirty minutes is really embarrassingly short for someone who wants to be a writer. But here’s what I know: as I strengthen this discipline muscle, the 30 minutes will lengthen of its own accord. I won’t have to set new time goals. I will simply become more comfortable and want to write longer. But, if I’m having a bad day, or simply a very busy one, 30 minutes is still an achievable goal for me. 

It is also possible that because this is not a brand new habit, but an old one I am trying revive, it will grow more quickly than it did the first time. Regardless, the path to starting a new habit or reviving an old one is the same. Show up daily and do something. 

There is one more piece to this equation that increases the chances of my success, giving thanks. When I show up and do something, I need to be grateful to the God who equipped me and is teaching me. It’s a humble rejoicing. I celebrate even this littlest success with my face toward God. This conscious recognition of success is actually important to the likelihood that I will repeat the behavior.

Due to travel and family commitments (all of which were huge blessings), writing was put on the back burner. I missed my goals of publishing on the 15th and the 1st. Looking ahead to a couple of busy months, I began to wonder if I should just let this blog go. 

But, my overall life goals haven’t changed. I long to impact others for Christ, to share what I have learned and am in the process of learning. God has given me the gift of teaching. Since I am no longer in the classroom, I hope to share and teach through writing. All that to say, I will continue to imperfectly pursue this. 

Praise be to God whose very character is faithfulness. His faithfulness isn’t dependent on mine. I want to become more like Him, but He doesn’t give up on me because I fall short in any number of ways.

So this post is both an apology for falling behind and an invitation. I invite you to join me in picking up something new and good or reviving something old and good. What habit do you wish you had in your life? Choose one. Whatever that one thing is, don’t over complicate it. Show up daily and do something. Then, give thanks. 

If you’re not spending daily time in your Bible and prayer, I challenge you to start there. This habit is the single most life changing habit you can develop. I champion good exercise and nutrition habits as well, but only time with Jesus will change who you are as a person. If you feel a little lost as to how to go about this, you need to know two things. 

1. There is no “right” way. 
2. Jesus has called you to a relationship. He is always delighted when you make time to spend with Him. 

If you’d like some tips or direction, I can offer things that have helped me, and I’d be happy to share. Just comment or email me. However, this is like sharing any other relationship advice. These can be only seen as tips and suggestions. The make up of the individuals in the relationship makes that relationship unique. God meets you uniquely where you are.

So let me repeat. Don’t over complicate it. Show up daily and do something. Then, give praise and thanks to God.