I’m a list maker. I make lists for what needs to be done yearly, monthly, weekly and daily. Sometimes, I even break down the list into smaller steps. A list within the list. And then there are the alarms. If you have spent anytime with me, you know I set alarms on my phone to let me know it is time to move to the next activity. Sometimes I know exactly what time it is without looking at the time.
I know, don’t I sound like a blast to be around?
I am nearly at 60% completed stage of the book Undaunted Joy and the last week, I hit a wall. I completely lost the voice of the book. Dreaded writer’s block has invaded my brain. I have been happy, content even but have I been joyful? Joyful is a different level----because Joy is about surrender.
Perhaps you’ve been around on this Substack for a while. Do you remember how I went to England in January? I thought I’d write a bunch of the book there. I didn’t. But it became clear very quickly that I was to surrender, my goals, expectations---my lists and just bask in the presence of God. Surrender. When I finally discovered this is what I needed to do for joy to be real and authentic, I needed to experience it. I was able to gather many seeds that grew into the proposal and then essays.
This is where I am at. I have become a control freak. Again.
Joy is all about the present. It is about surrendering to God’s will in that moment. Paying attention to His presence. For this is where Joy is found.
I’ve been wrestling with this. Because, well, really I have things to do and lists and oh, fine. I’ll sit down for a minute and listen. Maybe even have some fun. And when I did, something goofy and silly and joyous came out spontaneously. The writer’s block has been broken. I was able to write a piece for the book this week that simply bubbled out. Easily and out of the moment.
And now for the next lesson about Joy. It also has to do with gratitude.
I very much identify with this, Shemaiah! All of it!!!