Today, I’m tired. It was a whirlwind weekend of medical emergencies with my husband. One urgent care visit, and three ER visits. Was it a kidney stone gone very bad, or something more? This week, a couple of doctor visits. Next week, he has a urodynamics test to get more definitive answers. Until then, he’s having to wear an external catheter, and I feel so sorry for him. NO FUN.
The bottom line, I’m mentally exhausted, and still a bit physically stretched.
But, God is good. We’ve had what we know are special “divine driven God-purposed” interactions with folks. We continue to trust Him.
I leaned in with my familiar comfort level of writing “in the margins” Last week, I had committed to the gals in the mastermind I’m in that I would write 2000 words in the next 2 weeks. I truly thought I could buckle down 3 or 4 days a week and have some good old-fashioned big segments of writing time. I did the math, and knew how many words a week I needed to produce. I MUST finish the chapter book for my grandson.
Two days later, all hell broke loose with my hub’s health.
I was so close to throwing my hands in the air and calling July a flop. But, I was determined to go back to my roots of “writing in life’s margins”. I decided to find 15-minutes a day to write SOMETHING to do with the story. I’ve managed 4 of the 7 days, and considering all the sleepless nights, ER waiting rooms, head-nodding in uncomfortable chairs.. Well, I’m pretty proud of myself.
You can get more writing done in the margins than you give yourself credit for! My first book, The Creative Prayer Journal, was written in the margins of caregiving for my parents. In fact, every journal and book I’ve written has been written that way. Not during a month-long sabbatical to an exotic destination to hole up in a room overlooking the ocean, or a desk with a view of the mountains. No, everything I’ve written and created has been written while I’m creating time to write in the margins of life.
My encouragement to you is to not belittle yourself if you can “only” write 15-minutes a day. My praise to you is that YES, you CAN write your book, stories, blogs in those margins of time. Faithful Creative’s in stages of life where your ill, caregiving for others, and trying to balance many different life hats will most likely find yourself writing in small segments of time. Believe me, you will make progress. You WILL. Show up with all your imperfections and get your words on the page.
Simply take the next right step.
Get a word on the page.
📚 What I’m reading: I’m still reading Projeckt 1065 by Alan Gratz. My 13 year-old grandson got me hooked on these historical fiction books by this author. I’m excited to read what excites him and makes him love reading again.
📺What I’m watching: FIFA 2026 Soccer! With hubs home and not feeling well, we’ve also watched old Andy Griffeth, Big Bang Theory, and Young Sheldon. In other words, laughter is good for the soul, and we needed some chuckles.
🥣 What I’m eating: It’s been a whirlwind of medical issues and excruciatingly hot in Texas. Truthfully, neither of us had much appetite. I’ve been making us hearty sandwiches. One day, we both wanted the simple comfort food of a PB&J sandwich with a cold glass of almond milk.
Oh, and of other important news, today is day 11 of no coffee for me. I didn’t mean for that to happen. But, now that I’m over the caffeine withdrawal headaches I’m thinking about continuing the trend.
✍️What I’m writing: I’ve made progress with 1000 words into the children’s chapter book I started 5 years ago. Our grandson comes to visit in August, and I sure would like to give him a draft copy. We shall see…maybe a couple of draft chapters for sure.
💻What I’m studying: Pinterest and how authors can use it to promote their books and blogs. I am in a Pinterest Summer camp, taking the lessons slowly. And, of all things….making progress!
😇What I’m doing during my quiet time: Continuing my “Summer in the Psalms Reading Plan”
“He made him ride on the heights of the land and eat the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from flinty rock.” Deuteronomy 32:13, CSB
Honey In The Rock with Brooke Lightwood
We watched our church’s livestream Sunday morning after an exhausting 3rd visit to an ER. Our bodies were physically tired, our spirits low and needing a lift. This song came on, and I knew it was JUST FOR ME.
Heavenly Father, please meet my writer friends where they are today…in whatever season of life, whatever their day…and let them feel your presence and comfort.
PS. The picture below is our dog wearing his doggy earmuffs. I’m not sure it helped his anxiety with the rainstorm. But, it gave him something else to concentrate on rather than the storm.
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