The Writer's Life—Distractions

by Lynette Eason @LynetteEason

What is your distraction?

I don’t know about y’all, but two weeks sure does pass by fast for me. It gets me thinking how fast my kids are growing up, how fast that deadline arrives, how fast that opportunity came and left. Lately I’ve been thinking about time. How am I spending it? What are the results of how I’m using my time? We often talk about being good stewards of our money, but what kind of steward are we with the time the Lord has allotted for us? Yes, I’m preaching to the choir. LOL

Anyway, I know that I tend to take on more than I can handle sometimes. And sometimes the things that I say yes to might be GOOD things, but that doesn’t mean they’re the RIGHT things for me. Sometimes they become a distraction from the purpose I’ve been called to fulfill.

So what do I mean by that?

It means that I have a pretty wise husband. 

Last year at the beginning of August, I took on a full time teaching job.  My husband advised against it, but basically told me it was my decision. You see, our benefits were running out in December and we really couldn’t afford a private policy, etc. but my husband said we’d figure something out. I decided it was this job that was offered at just the right time. And yes, it has its benefits. Literally. We enjoy the health benefits with a low premium and a low deductible, etc. I even get to teach from home in my PJs if I want to, have a little flexibility and be home when my kids are here. Sounds perfect, right?

Unfortunately, it has also greatly interfered with my writing. And guess what? Writing is what I’ve been called to do. It’s my passion, my ministry, a way for me to connect with people and share with them. I can’t tell you how many emails I get from people thanking me for writing the stories that I write and how it has blessed their lives. Or how the Lord spoke to them through my stories. WOW. That’s so amazing to me.

I also can’t tell you how many emails fall through the cracks and don’t get answered because I’m too busy working/teaching or racing to get my word count in. And then I forget what emails I’ve answered and which ones I haven’t. And I really hate that.

After much prayer and taking a good hard look at the things I’ve been saying yes to, I’ve decided to quit my job. Yes, the one with the benefits. The one that comes with a dependable two week paycheck. The one keeps me from doing what I’ve been called to do. Is that stupid? Irresponsible? Or am I listening to God and getting rid of one of the distractions in my life that is keeping me from fully participating in what He has planned for me? I choose to believe it’s the last one. Yes, it’s stepping out on faith. Yes, there will be sacrifices because of this choice, but I also believe that God’s got my back. He has me and my family covered and because I’m choosing to believe Him, He’s got a whole lot of blessings ready for us too. I’m looking forward to those and seeing where He’s going to take me in the writing world. It may be nowhere, it may be someplace super exciting. Regardless, it’s all in His hands and that’s the absolute best place to be.

How about you? Have you been asked to sacrifice something good in order to be able to do something better? Have you made a decision in regards to your writing that has made you do something that seems “stupid” or careless? I’d love to hear your responses.

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The writing life is filled with distractions - thoughts on how to cope from @LynetteEason on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

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Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series and the Deadly Reunions series. Since 2007, she has written/contracted thirty-six books. Currently, she writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013 Carol Award for WHEN A HEART STOPS. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.