{Still no baby action, in case you’re wondering! I had contractions in the middle of the night last night and was sure things were getting started…but I was wrong! I’ll keep you posted!}
Sometimes the wisdom that comes through in writing is really about what you haven’t said, just as much as it’s about what you have. For your sakes and for mine, I’ve been paying slightly more attention to what ought to be left out, with the help of that little word count thingy that I can click that will tell me how I’m doing and whether or not I’m talking your ears off. Or writing your eyes off. So to speak.
But there is also the matter of the words, the entire posts, that don’t belong here, or anywhere. And the wisdom of knowing what is worth saying and what is not, well that’s something I’d like to sign up for an extra helping of. Even a fool seems wise when he doesn’t open his mouth.
If I was painting canvases instead of writing words on pages, you might wonder why I didn’t use red or green. And if I was writing music instead of blog posts and devotional pieces, you might ask where the bridge or the hook was, something to lead you safely into a chorus that will repeat the same refrain over again twice, so that by the end of my song you’ll know all the words to the chorus even though you’ve only heard it once.
The other day I wrote a post filled with the Top Ten things you shouldn’t say to a pregnant lady. (It didn’t get published.) It was more of a personal complaint session which probably would’ve stepped on toes, rather than build anybody up or encourage anyone to be more thoughtful with their words. And it wouldn’t have encouraged me to take the time to think about having more grace for the people around me — remembering we’re all on a journey in this thing called life — and none of us are there yet.
Though word count makes me think I need to think of more to say in order for this post to be complete, I think I’d like to end right here. Perhaps with a question.
Who or what do you think has the biggest influence on what you choose to say, and equally importantly, what you leave unsaid?
I sure would like to know.
xCC
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That hits me right between the eyes. My post have been full of emotion and angst and where things are not right of late. I had realised it before reading this (luckily). There is a responsibility in writing for the world to see. That being said i want to be real. But after reading Philippians 2: 12-13 my being real means little if it is not reflecting the results of my salvation. So long story short, i have not been pushing in of late, which for me meant functioning on me mode, not a good mode.
Thanks again Caroline.
P.s. When i read your stuff i sometimes have moments of I wish i wrote (saw life, serve God) the way she does when I grow up
Philippa, thanks so much for the complement! If you find anything good here, know that it’s because of Jesus! I could probably stand to be a little bit more real…I think I’m careful to keep my cards close to my chest sometimes. I went back to look at Philippians 2: 12 – 13 and was really encouraged. We are all on a journey and I’m so thankful the Lord is patient with us! May He grant you the grace to keep pressing in, and may you be certain of His love regardless of your performance! Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s funny that you are choosing now to publish this.. I recently returned to blogging after about a 6 month hiatus. I was experiencing a lot of feelings of “woe is me” and I didn’t want that to seep through my writing onto the screen. The topics that I publish are a blend of what I think people would want to read, based on what I like to read. I don’t want to read a depressing, complaining post — so I don’t write when I feel that way. I also try to vary things up a bit. I don’t want to be a niche blogger.
Faith is a part of my life, but my relationship with Him is not the only part of my life. So, I skirt the issue, but having written about my faith (yet.)
Blog posts combine to form a composite of who I am as person, so I throw out a little bit on a lot of topics. Hopefully, anyone who regularly reads me will see the picture of me develop.
(Just so you know, I’m rooting for Feb. 23rd. I’m March 23rd & 23 is my favorite number.)
Thank you so much for sharing this! I want to write what people want to read as well — and I’m sensitive about allowing circumstances to make me a grumpymuggins who decides to complain for 1,000 words and then leave other people to bask in the grump. I’m not wanting to be a niche blogger either, which is a challenge, because it means I’m never quite sure what I want to make sure I focus on, other than encouraging people and writing things that might present healthy challenges to the audience. I really appreciate your thoughts!! And wow, the 23rd seems so far away, even though it’s not! It could very well be the day! Thanks again!