by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
The writer’s path is a journey of a lifetime—one fraught with discovery and discouragement. We can avoid some of its pitfalls if we define that path early on. Today, I want to share some insights into my writing journey and the markers I look for to help me stay at least in the vicinity of the path.
This time of year, between Christmas and New Year's, my thoughts turn backward. I use this time to evaluate the past year and prepare for the next one. I've given up New Year's Resolutions completely and find the freedom from those expectations (and failures) a major relief.
In place of resolutions, I have implemented something else. I spend time looking back at my spiritual markers for the past year. I evaluate them individually—for my writing life—as well as for me spiritually.
This is particularly helpful, because staying on the writer's path is difficult because each of our paths are so unique and varied. In the past I've had trouble evaluating my progress because I was comparing my journey to someone else's. I’ve come up with some questions to help me process where I’ve been and where I’m headed.
Questions to Get Me Started
- What were some of my writing successes this past year? (Not necessarily the most lucrative, but the most rewarding)
- What were some of my writing setbacks this past year?
- What writing advice stands out in my mind because it seemed to have been aimed directly at me?
- What brought me the most joy? (Writing related)
- As I map out these spiritual markers, the path God has had me on becomes quite clear. And, by knowing where I've been, it becomes clearer where to go next.
My One Word
The other thing I do this time of year is to choose my ONE WORD and SCRIPTURE for the next year. I've been choosing a Bible verse for the upcoming year since 1996, but I just started choosing a single word to go with it since 2012. My close writing friend Beth Vogt started me on it and the practice has proved invaluable.
This year, my one word, chose me.
ENOUGH
In the picture at the top of the post you can see it inscribed on a necklace I've had for several years. (I got it at Crowning Jewels) I happened to be wearing it the day calamity struck, the day we lost our precious daughter-in-love, Katie. The tragedy of losing her left us reeling and the only thing we had to cling to was Jesus. (A Tribute to My Daughter-In-Law)
This was the year that I truly learned how Jesus really is enough. And I believe God wants me to move into 2021 with that experience firmly at the front of my life.
Along with the word, God impressed this Bible verse on my heart.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT).
Enough must pertain to everything in my life. And the experience I've had (and am still having) shows me that even in my publishing endeavors, Jesus is all that I need.
I'd love for you to share your ONE WORD and/or Bible verse for the year, and hear some of your answers to these questions.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.
Thank you for your writing this morning. Great words and helpful. My best to you in 2021. Thanks for sharing all the posts in The Write Conversation. All are so encouraging and helpful.
ReplyDeleteMy word is decision. At first, I was upset because it sounded harsh and intimidating. But God is unraveling the word, a little at a time. In 2021, He wants me to finally believe in who He made me to be and to fully step into it.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family as you continue moving forward
Ditto everything Diane Holmes has said. I didn't find you until September 2020. It was in answer to a prayer to Jesus. The word enough is empowering. It reminds me of learning to set boundaries this year, to see my surroundings not so much as clutter but having enough and not needing more. That stuff around me doesn't make me happy, He does inside of me.
ReplyDeleteWhat were some of my writing successes this past year? I began to write. After attending my very first writers event which was the SWFH virtual in May I gained helpful skills to obey God's calling to write my memoir. Still working on my 1st draft but I am writing it. What were some of my writing setbacks this past year? My chronic pain some days makes focusing or writing hard to do. My word for 2021 is RESTORED.
ReplyDeleteMy Word for 2020 was FEARLESS. It puzzled me ... until ... March. Then, not knowing what we would be facing, in hindsight, it made perfect sense, as God always does. My Word for 2021 is Prayer-FULL. And, I love how He confirmed it three times. Early in January, our church will begin 40 Days of Prayer, and I have another online study to correspond to it. I have anxious anticipation of watching God work.
ReplyDeleteMy word for 2021 is SURRENDER - my heart, home, health, relationships and career. I want to give them all to Christ for His service, accepting whatever He allows and wills for my life!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your One Word for 2021, Edie, which was wrought from heartache and chosen with courage. My One Word for 2021 is Listen, which I'm carrying over from 2020. This is only the second time I've repeated a word in the 15 years I've focused on One Word instead of making a list of resolutions. But being intentional about listening to others has changed me -- changed how I interact with others. Another year at this, with a different focus verse, will help me even more in my relationships.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing, Edie. May God continue to comfort you and your family in the wake of your tragic loss. My word for 2021 is Relationships. I've felt isolated in many ways over this past year and I want to change that moving forward. To grow in my relationship with God and with others, especially writers.
ReplyDeleteI seem to come up with the same word every year. It's GRATITUDE. Although I can find other words that are meaningful, they are all subservient to my sense of thankfulness for all God has done for me.
ReplyDeleteMy word for 2021 is ABIDE. It seems I spent 2020 dealing with broken bones in my left foot and a hairline fracture of my left ankle. Then this fall, I had major abdominal surgery to remove a tumor. I had to cling to God and His love for me and my family. So, ABIDE has become my choice for 2021, whatever the new year brings. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing about choosing one word for the year! I'm continuing to pray for you and your family to feel God's love and peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Edie, for reminding me the choose my one word for 2021 (it's been several years since I've chosen my one word for a year). I'm regressing to use WRITE (and RIGHT) once again. My 2015 TBI altered my physical, mental and emotional abilities. God still creates miracles I see often and unique. Beginning to re-writing my first vomit draft memoir reveals God teaching me that he wants me to "write right" while seeking his presence and leadership more than my own ideas. God bless you and your family as y'all see your unique miracles more brightly.
ReplyDelete