Sorry for the long absence. I miss you, my blog peeps! I've been focusing on, well, priorities. I'm working to get my life better aligned with my priorities, or things that SHOULD be priorities. This includes no brainers like quality time with my wife and kids, as a family, and one-on-one time. It includes placing God above all things since He is the one who makes everything else possible and who has granted me the blessing to have such beautiful people in my life (including all of you.)
One of my priorities, that I have long neglected, because it wasn't practical to include in my life is writing. I first started writing in 3rd grade and wrote pretty regularly - and almost exclusively for myself! - for 20+ years. When I married Patty and started a family, I gave up my writing and packed it away in a box. Yes, even in a nice little box in my brain. I just thought that wasn't going to be a part of my life.
When I started school in September 2006 and began writing for my classes, a little light went off in my brain. it wasn't until June 2008 that I started to recognize it was God telling me I should pick up my writing again. So, I figured, what the heck? If it's really meant to be, I'll be motivated and see progress in the quality of writing. It's not a matter of being published, although, I won't lie, that would be outstanding. It's a matter of being true to my dream and following what the Lord told me. As a kid I imagined myself writing for a living. Somewhere along the line - it's called "life" - I lost sight of that dream.
So in the last two years, I joined a number of writing groups both locally and nationally; I've attended several writing conferences; braved the waters of having my work critiqued; worked on making writing a habit, just like brushing my teeth; and sharing my dream with others. I'm not the most naturally extroverted person but I'm learning it's necessary in the world of writing. If for nothing else, to make friends with other writers for encouragement.
So why am I talking about writing? Because it's one of the priorities in my life I've neglected. But I've made a change and am working to have my life truly reflect my values. I want to spend more time with my kids, instructing them and being there for them. One of the ways I do that is to sit down at our kitchen table with them while they're doing homework. This way I'm readily available to help and encourage them. Sure, I can get some of my own writing done, but I don't make that a priority of the moment. I want them to know my desire is to be intimately involved in their lives. I'm looking for ways my son, Caleb, and I can have more substantial guy time. I want to establish an absolutely mandatory weekly date night with my wife. These are all win-win situations. They'll make me a better dad and husband and my kids and wife will know I truly treasure them.
What are some of the priorities you have left hidden or set aside during stressful times? Or even in your busy daily life?
I've had a passion for writing since we were given journals in second grade. It only intensified after I wrote two papers in third grade. I've missed it since I became busy with family and kids and have been trying to work it back into my life. My wonderful husband understands and has been giving me some free time out to do so. I would love to commit to writing daily!
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