The challenge – writing 500 words for 30 days. I want to finish strong. And yet, I have learned several unexpected things about myself during this challenge. I wasn’t expecting any life change. I was just trying to write, to make it a habit. However, the lessons have been a beautiful surprise.
Challenge lesson #1 – Knowing I am on the right path …
I felt that God has challenged me to write for many years. He has also given me a passion for teaching. I was a math teacher and have home schooled my boys since kindergarten. The desire to constantly learn and study has been part of me since I was young. Through this challenge God has renewed that desire and passion. He calls me to study the Bible and learn from it then pass that along to others. Word studies on Bible verses stir my soul. They are reminders to me how I am to live my life. My life for Him. I write for Him, not for me.
Challenge Lesson #4 – I am not a morning person, at least not yet …
I read time and time again that getting up early before others allows one to get so much more done in the day. I tried. I tried for several days in a row. I have my alarm set for 6:45 am to get ready for work. I needed to set my alarm for 5:30 am to have time to write. I also love my morning coffee. What better way to start the day then to sit quietly with my coffee and computer. I tried. I really did. But I just stared into the abyss the first morning.
The next morning, I finally was able to get some words down. I literally wrote all the random thoughts down that bounced around in my head. The third day I did much better and wrote something logical. The fourth day I quit. I can’t remember if I had a head ache or what was going on, but I didn’t get up. I eventually just shut off that 5:45 am alarm. I now write after 9:00 pm. It might not be ideal, however in my current situation, it is working.
Challenge lesson #3 – Momentum and ideas and ideas …
I can now sit down and begin typing within minutes. Sometimes I would use the prompts given to help spur the writing process, but I have found that I can go without. I have begun to really dig into my day and life. When I am lacking anything from my personal life, I do word studies on Bible verses. I can easily complete 500 words with one verse. I get on my bible app on my phone and look up the daily verses. I have e-sword on my computer, so it makes doing the study simple. Then I relate it to my life whether from the past, present or future.
Challenge lesson #4 – Unprecedented growth and encouragement …
The time I have spent searching my soul has given me courage. I am learning to be brave. Reading and studying the Word has drawn me closer to God and when I am closer to God; I am closer to others. My relationships are better, more fruitful. I am kinder. I begin to bear the fruit of the spirit. My words are seasoned with salt. My light shines. The light that God has placed within because of Jesus. People like me better. I don’t smell of fear and fish …
Unexpected lessons …
I am thankful for this challenge. It had unexpected lessons, but I learned to persevere through tiredness, blank computer screens, no inspiration, and constant editing. I know this is the right path, to study the Word, teach others with encouragement, persevere, and to be brave.