Monday is coming and I have to write my regularly scheduled blog. The problem is, I’m all out of words. I have no more stories to tell. That’s because the deadline for my next novel is two weeks away. I’ve been writing it for a year, and it has turned out to be 130,000 words long. That’s a lot of words—which is why I’ve run out!
The novel is finished but I’m spending the final month editing and tweaking and putting in all the final touches. That means I haven’t gone anywhere in days. My friends think I’ve become a hermit. My family forgot what I look like. I have nothing cute or funny or interesting to say in a blog because I’ve been holed up in my office, working. But the day after I turn in this manuscript, I get to leave my work and cold, snowy Michigan for a vacation in Florida with my husband and our friends.
So, what’s my point? I have two. First, there are seasons in life when we need to dive into our work with everything we’ve got. As the scripture says, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Work isn’t a curse that we’re doomed to perform like slaves. When God enables anyone “to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.” But it shouldn’t consume our lives all year long, either.
Which leads to my second point—rest. God ordained rest, too. My Puritan ancestors would like me to feel guilty for sitting on a beach a few weeks from now when I should be working hard, giving my all, all the time. I’d like to remind those workaholic ancestors that God rested from His work on the seventh day. He wove the rhythms of work and rest into the fabric of creation. He doesn’t mind at all when we rest from our labors. Truly!
In case you’re wondering, the yet-to-be-named book that I’m racing to finish will be published in June of 2021. I know, that’s a very long time from now. But I’ve also completed another novel entitled “If I Were You,” which will be out in June of THIS year. It takes place in London during World War II and has a bit of a “Downton Abbey” feel to it.
So, here’s my advice. Work hard at what you do right now so when my book comes out next summer you can sit on a beach somewhere and read while you rest from your labors. And now . . . I need to get back to work.
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You have no words, and yet this post is fantastic! 🙂
I struggled with rest for a really long time, and then I had my daughter. Now, I’m a rest ninja. I work hard most every day, but I now know how to get a little rest into each day. God rested on the 7th day. If it was such an important concept that God made sure it got into the Bible, we need to make sure to carve out rest time for ourselves too!
You are exactly right!
Your words are so helpful. My work-in-progress keeps stalling. I know where I want to go, but the words won’t flow. Your reminder to work as for the Lord is spot on. Thank you.
Good plan! He is the only One we need to please.
One of my WIPs, which I’ve been writing off and on since 2014 is currently sitting at 140,000 words, so I understand how big that book you’re working on is and why you’d be running out of words for your blog! You make an excellent point about rest. I’ve struggled sometimes with getting upset when days I planned to write go by with no new words to show for it, but I’ve been learning to be more forgiving with myself and allow my brain and body to rest when necessary. It never fails to help get the words flowing again. I hope you’re able get as much rest as you need to refuel and craft a story you’re pleased with. 🙂
I can’t wait for this book!! I’m glad you are going to get a break. But hurry up! 😂 Love your books!!
LOVE your newest cover, Lynn. So pretty! And I LOVED the story. You’re one amazing writer, my friend. Thanks for using your incredible gifts for God’s glory.
You know the Lord will bring the words for you to finish your book – doesn’t He always? I think if we don’t take the time to rest (especially in Him) then the other areas of our lives end up being rushed, hurried and out of order and He doesn’t want that for us. So take time to rest even if it’s just a few minutes each day to listen to His voice, enjoy the quiet of the moment and refresh your thoughts. It will go a long way in your creativity as He provides you with your next words. Have a wonderful day in Him.