Woodstock and I spent some time this week sorting through books. It’s an addiction, my need to possess books. I know that and I fight it (sometimes) but when there are so many tasty words and they’re rich and satisfying, why should I?
I’m writing one — a book, that is. Whether it will be tasty, I can’t tell you. If it’s anything like my cooking, maybe not. But I do hope and pray that it’s many other things. Helpful, inspiring, encouraging, edifying.
This book idea has been simmering on the back burner for some time and I’ve felt a bit stuck, uncertain about the need for it, not sure whether I’m the one to write it. The thing about being stuck is that the more we stay there — in that space of not moving forward, upward, outward — the more stuck we feel.
So, there comes a day when you decide that you just need to do it. Stick that spoon in it, stir it up and serve it. If I don’t, who will? Someone else might create something similar, but it won’t be driven by my thoughts, my passion, my words. It won’t be my book.
“Stuck” isn’t necessarily a bad place to land. For a moment. Staying stuck is the problem. Take it one step, one stir, one word at a time.
I’m linking up today at Five Minute Friday, writing for five short minutes on the word “stuck”. Won’t you drop by and read what others have to say?
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April is National Poetry Month. Before the month slips through our fingers, I’d like to share another Mary Oliver poem. There are so many, but this one speaks to me today. Enjoy.
Graphic: BedsideTableBooks.wordpress.com
Ingrid, I really appreciate this encouraging and inspiring word, especially as I have been stuck for months with my second book, uncertain of the way ahead and wondering just if and when it might finally become compiled and published! You have given me space to see that feeling stuck isn’t necessarily the same as being stuck. And how God often calls us to periods of waiting and stillness in order to grow maturity and lasting fruit in us. Thank you! Visiting from the #FMF link up today. Blessings on your weekend! PS: any fan of poetry, and Mary Oliver in particular, is a friend of mine. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed Mary Oliver today! Yes, feeling stuck is a frame of mind. Being still, waiting and listening is so much more productive. Thanks for stopping by!
This is great! Love your position and as a write, I too am feeling the pull between writing creatively and fresh vs. something already out there. Is the planet too small for several points of view? Keep typing!! Blessings.
Thanks, Jenn. That’s the goal, isn’t it? To bring a fresh perspective. Write on!
Ingrid, excited to read about your book. I’m sure it will be awesome.
Thanks, Tara! I’m excited for you to read it, too!
So glad to have found you via FMF. I was your neighbor this week, and I LOVE books too! I’ll stop by again soon. Thanks for sharing your journey and the stuckish part too. I think we’ve all been there (maybe not in book form) but for sure just plain ol stuck somewhere. Prayers!
Thanks, Meghan! I’ll be dropping by your site, too. We all get stuck sometimes. They key is finding the path to being “unstuck”. I hope you’re finding yours!
I too have a passion for books. If it is true as Plato says’ “A house that has a library in it has a soul,” then my house most certainly has a soul!
I have written about 10,000 words toward my own book and then stopped. I think it’s time to pick it up again.
I’m visiting from the #FMF link-up today. So glad I dropped in to read your post.
blessings
Thanks, Gay. I think we could be friends! I hope you get back to work on your book. Our words matter!