A DRY SPELL
If you create, in any way, shape, or form, for any good length of time, you’re bound to stumble into a dry spell. That’s where I find myself, yet again, as evidenced by the last few weeks of reposts.
If I didn’t know better, I’d be convinced that someone kidnapped my muse. That would take a pretty desperate individual. If there really was such a thing as a musenapper, mine wouldn’t fetch a lot in the way of a ransom.
It’s not that the world is lacking subjects to write about, it’s quite the opposite, it’s that nothing inspires the creative writing flame within. The last time I sat down to write I came up with zilch, mostly just silence with the occasional mental cricket chirping – real slow.
image courtesy blogs.longwood.edu
Oh, I’ve been here before. I’m familiar with the territory. I know this road like the back of my hand. It’s a ghost town and there’s no way out of it until I can find the inspiration and gifts that are everywhere we are.
I’ve read quite a bit on the subject of writer’s block. A lot of famous, and some not so famous, are willing to push their two cents to the middle of the table.
The secular world has a different perspective when it comes to creativity – some of it is common sense, but for some of us, there’s a much different perspective.
Writing for gratification of the flesh can’t ever be fulfilled, at least from a Christian worldview. For us, we can write a lifetime library and if it doesn’t point to Truth it’s just chatter. Words that carry or point to Truth are eternal. They will last through eternity.
Coincidently, my writer’s block is almost always accompanied by my lack of study and striving toward God. But when we start spilling words out of our mind, even if we don’t know the direction and destination, like these, who we are and what we believe finds its way out.
I love to write. It’s a gift to share words, but only if they point to the Truth that will lift up others.
We’re here for a moment, then it’s gone. The moments spent breathing in this physical world are for the purpose of us choosing our eternity. Most of you know that like you know your name, but all of us need reminding and encouraging.
This is my reminder to myself, but the encouraging isn’t mine. It’s from the Maker of all things – the Sustainer of everything. I’m encouraged by His rescue of a wondering mind, pen, and keyboard.
If you’re in need of encouragement, you have it. Not because of these simple words, but because you know this Truth; it’s a promise from God; reach to Him and he’ll reach to us.
When we do that our ghost town is transformed into a spiritual Garden of Eden where we walk with our Father.
It’s the only place we find true peace on this earth and the only way to avoid stumbling into a dry spell.
Sunday, October 22, 2017 @ 1:32 pm
I find myself at the same place often these days. It’s just hard to put down words when you are going through a mix of something and nothing going on. It’s like experiencing someone else’s life through your own eyes, but it’s not your life, so how can you write about it? I think the authors of the Bible got away with it, so why can’t we? Nice post Floyd!
Monday, October 23, 2017 @ 4:19 am
I can so relate to this, Floyd. I have been writing since 1994 and blogging every week since January of 2011. Some weeks, months, even years, it has been a real struggle not only to think of something to write about but to drum up enough enthusiasm to write at all. And then God shows me a caterpillar or a bee that teaches me a lesson. Or He speaks to my heart through His Word or the words of another pilgrim on this path of faith. And suddenly I feel compelled to write again. Writing is truly a gift from Him and not a skill learned in college.
Monday, October 23, 2017 @ 6:16 am
I, too, have experienced those “dry” spells, but when I turn to the Lord, it’s amazing how quickly He will give me the exact inspiration I need to keep on going. Glad your muse has returned, Floyd. Blessings!
Monday, October 23, 2017 @ 6:17 am
You ought to stumble into a dry spell more often my friends. These words are powerful! I forgot what I was going to say next so I’ll stop. 🙂
Monday, October 23, 2017 @ 11:59 am
Well, I ditto what Bill said about you need to stumble into a dry spell more often. I love this circle of bloggers I am a part of because first of all, you are not judgemental. Oh, maybe of your own work but not of others. Many times I have found encouragement and not once has anyone corrected my bad choice of words or my choice of seeing things through this frail women eyes. So many of you have been faithful to stop by even through your dry spells and read through a post or two that left you wondering, now what did she mean???? I use to write on several other blog circles but keep finding my way back to this one and at this time, it’s where I call blog home. You are a forgiving circle, a wise circle, a discerning circle a friendly circle, a compassionate circle and a praying circle. Unlike Bill, my mouth runneth over today..but Bill says more in a few words than it takes me a lot of words to say. Just a few more words brother, thanks for the honest post.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 @ 5:33 pm
I can’t imagine you ever having a dry spell, Floyd, when you give us words like this…”When we do that our ghost town is transformed into a spiritual Garden of Eden where we walk with our Father.”
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 @ 5:52 pm
A blank page can be a fearsome thing, when you’re in a hurry to fill it. A full page can be a fearsome thing, when you’re unhappy with what you just filled it with. Either way, when you wait upon the Lord, something happens that takes away the fear, and either you fill the blank page the right way, or you reshape what was wrong on the filled page. Then you’re set for the next time.
Thanks, Floyd, for the way you filled your most recent blank page!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 @ 8:20 pm
I couldn’t agree more. The Christian writer’s inspiration comes from the Father and what a blessing when He opens our eyes to the way He sees things. It’s just so good we can’t keep it to ourselves. Too bad we can’t always live in the passion, but life drains doesn’t it? It’s easy to lose focus, too, and that’s why I like the Christian community of bloggers. They should only know how He speaks to me through their gift of words. I’m thankful for you, Floyd. Thankful for that God-fearing heart of yours that reminds me God cares and I am never dry reading your words.
Friday, October 27, 2017 @ 9:00 am
Very well put, Floyd! I’ve been there for the past year for some reason. Sometimes I sit and think and can’t come up with anything. Maybe it’s because so much is going on that our minds are too busy. I’m trying to commit to writing once a week, we’ll see how it goes. I do enjoy your writing so looking forward to your writing rehydration.
Friday, October 27, 2017 @ 10:44 am
Have you been looking in the window to my apartment? I am in the same place now, for the same reasons. Not spending enough time reading and studying the Word. Sometimes I may get a spark and it goes away. I need to rediscover my joy of the Word and the creative juices will flow. I am praying for you. Not just for creativity, but consisistancy in the Word and fellowship with the Father.
Monday, October 30, 2017 @ 11:03 am
I understand, but then I love the way you relate to a dry spell. There are times reflection is good, and then perhaps getting out of town and experiencing new things will open up new words. Your re-posts for some reason seem all new to me. Just keep writing as we are all there for you.