Loving the Writing Life

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

As I rushed to a morning meeting, I asked for God’s direction and guidance to help keep my busy writer’s life in balance. I went over all the things that were important to me—meeting deadlines, celebrating family in every way possible, continuing to build relationships with friends making sure there was enough quiet time, doing laundry and cooking meals, sleeping occasionally, and the list could go on.

I knew I was not giving God any new information. He had blessed me with every wonderful item on my list. And I knew He had equipped me with the means and mentality to handle them all. So why did I feel so frequently out of balance?

In our conversation, I wondered if I could somehow relax my deadlines? I know God has called me to be a writer and deadlines are just part of it. I don’t know of any publishers who would be excited about doing away with deadlines or even relaxing them!

Family. No question there. Time with family and serving them cannot be compromised. God created us to be family before He made me a writer. That comes second only to my relationship with God. I have found that those times when I have had to sacrifice my writing to do something for my family, God has redeemed that time and I have met all deadlines.

Most friends don’t really understand the life of a writer. But it is important for me and every writer to maintain relationships with friends.

Then, quiet time. Some time that is the hardest one of all. I talk to God all day long and use Scripture in my writing. Doesn’t that count? Of course it counts. But part of having quiet time with God is not only taking time to talk to Him but also to listen. In the midst of my writing is not necessarily a good time to listen. I need to set aside special time to focus solely on my relationship with God.

As I continued my car conversation with God about finding the perfect balance for my busy schedule and lamented (well, okay, maybe whined a little!) about finding a way to make it work, I realized what I was looking for was already in place. I had the perfect balance for me. Was my life busy. Yes! Did some days seem impossible to reconcile all my duties and deadlines? Yes! But would I change anything at all? No! 

My prayer immediately changed to one of thanks for my busy schedule and sometimes-hectic-but-always-exciting life that I live. I didn’t need a different schedule. I just needed a bit of an attitude adjustment and a little more trust that because God had called me to be a writer, He would equip me to be the best writer I could be in the midst of the wonderful, love-filled life He has given me.

What about you? Do you need to make adjustments in your schedule or do you, like me, just need an attitude adjustment?

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Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of communicating with excellence. In the midst of all the busyness, Linda’s favorite activity  is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com