I like my day job. I love my church, my family, and my friends. I have an exceptionally wonderful life. But, I’m better when I write.
For the last few years, I’ve focused twenty-minutes most days on some writing project or other. That has produced a couple of novels, various magazine articles and some essays. A few of those have been published (and paid off in actual money.) Others are still sitting in my file drawer waiting their turn for revision.
This winter, we went through an intense season with Serenity’s chemo. I thought spending eight-hours a day in a chemo pod would provide lots of writing time. I was so wrong. All I could do with those hours was wrestle the dragon. And, since coming home, I have felt rather singed by his breath.
This week, I finally glued my deiriere to the chair again. And, I’m better. I’m better at my job, I’m better with my friends. I’m better for my family.
I think the same thing happens no matter what gift you carry. Rochelle is better when she dances, and Charity is better when she sings. I expect my friend Robyn is better when she decorates a cake, and Anna is better when she hosts a Get-to-Know-You night for missionary friends.
We’ve each been given a gift, a talent. Often more than one. And, we are better when we use them.
What’s yours?
A thousand times, Yes. I’m so much better when I write. I can’t wait to see more answers, because I think some people in life don’t know the answer to this. I’ve noticed lately how lucky I am to at least know what it is I love to do and that even if I can’t do it for money, at least I can do it at all. I wish everyone had that.
Why must you Nickerson women persist in writing things that bring me to tears. 🙂
The best answer I can come up with at this point is helping. I don’t know if that’s the right answer but if I just blurt out the first thing I think of it’s helping. I’m pretty sure the reason thinking about this makes me tearful is because I’m not sure exactly what that means for my life…my career…my future… is there such a thing as a professional “helper”???
This feels like a lame attempt at an answer, but it is what it is I guess. 🙂
Ditto, Serenity.
And, Carol, I get you. One version of the Bible lists “Helps” among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. I can totally see that in you. I think you provide help in every area of life, but that is different from the soul-singing expression of Helps you are looking for. I’m trusting God to open the doors…
I, too, am better when I write. Better in all areas. I echo Serenity’s comment – I am also lucky to know what I love, and get to do what I love.
We’re all glad you write, Katie!
I’m better when I’m “domestic”–cooking, sewing, laundry, cleaning. Mundane I know, repetative? absolutely! but it is what I seem to be the best at, and I find there is an ebb and flow to it that I find peaceful and calming.
I understand that, too, Andrea. Ironing used to be that way for me when I was home more. And two hours of puttering and cleaning on a rare Saturday can take me to a happy place.
I better when I talk. Hmmmm. I mean, I’m most energized by conversations about life-altering ideas or the state of world affairs. I need to learn things. I love learning things. I don’t know where that leaves me! 🙂
Felic, I think it leaves you being a lot like your dad. 🙂
I am definitely better when I sing. And I’m better when I help Ry with a film.
Charity, you and Ry are a great creative team. Just look at your girls!
Oh wow, I have a whole big list of these.
Here’s the short one: I’m better when I sing, when I serve and practice hospitality, when I have those conversations Felic mentioned.
And I’m glad you’ve got your groove back. 🙂
Thanks, Molly Rose.
Hmmm … I think I’m like Molly, which is REALLY good for me as a busy mommy — if I can’t do one I can do another!
I think I’m better when I can socialize, sing, write, and “be in the groove” with kids. I’m not sure how to how to explain what “the groove” is; sometimes it’s teaching, sometimes it’s being silly, or maybe just snuggling with some books or staring at my sleeping baby.
H-m-m-m. I had to think about this one. I am better when I am able to be outdoors in nature. I like to go on walks and hikes, go fishing with Blaine, sit by a lake and watch the sparkle of sunshine on the water, or just sit in my swing in the yard and look at our hickory grove. Appreciating God’s creations makes me better.
Hmmmm, I too had to think about this one. I am better when I get “alone” time at the beginning of the day. When that happens then everything else just seems better. I also love to create or come up with ideas — that was my top strength on my Strength Finder test. That and learning. I love learning!