Friday, May 15, 2009

Time to Think

“We are not the father of time. We are the children of time.” – Ilya Prigogine, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, 1977
I’ve finally figured out what keeps me from approaching the next level of writing prowess. Time. Now I know what you’re thinking. Nobody has enough time, Dana. Get real. We’re all working, parenting, serving in church, tending to life’s daily tasks, etc. True enough, but I have come to the realization that I purposefully fill my life with so much business I don’t have time to think. I don’t mean time to plot, write a synopsis and the like, I mean time to really think about what moves me, bothers me, alters the world around me at any given moment. Yes, I make time for my morning devotional but then I’m off like a scalded cat, running hither and yon with no time for reflection. Are my tasks important? Probably. Are they as important as sitting down and really thinking about my purpose and passion in God’s world? Nope.
It stands to reason that if I don’t take the time to listen to the tides of life go by, those tides will not wash over my writing and make it all that it could be. They will be words well crafted, and plots that engage, but will they really move people? If I made more time in my day and in my life to think, what would I hear? A strong call to move in a direction I haven’t contemplated? A revelation that someone nearby needs me? I only hope that I can step off the endlessly spinning wheel I have created for myself long enough to give it a try.
“Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue.” -Eugene O’Neill, Nobel Prize for Literature, 1936

5 comments:

Pamela Tracy said...

There's an old saying, "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." In the world of writing, I've seen this at work.

Debby Giusti said...

Dana,
Glad I stopped by the blog today. I'm trying to find more God-time. Hearing that inner voice is the key to a life well lived. The scripture I hold onto is:
Be still and know that I am God.

The more I spend time with him, the better my day goes. Wishing you a wonderful, prayerful day!

Linda said...

Dana, I am surprised that you, too, do a lot of busyness in your life. When you figure out how to slow down and let God speak, I'd sure love to hear about it. I have it admit, it doesn't show up in your books, and I just read 'Trouble up Finny's Nose.'

Anonymous said...

A first time visitor and enjoyed reading the comments.
JOYE
JWIsley AT aol.com

Edna said...

I will finish tonight 'Trouble up Finny's Nose" it is a very good book, this is my last new one that I have not read, so I guess I will start reading my older books over unless I can win one.

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net