I just pushed send on an e-mail containing four devotionals for a local publication. This is the first paid creative writing job that I have had since I left work to stay at home with my new babe nearly four years ago. Even though it is a small project in the scope of writing for hire, I feel a bit dizzy with the completion of this project.
I mention this not to toot my own horn, but rather so that I can say thank you to you. Thank you for reading this silly, little blog about badgers and bears that go “poof.” The fact that you come here to hear what I have the say baffles me. It also prompts me to write and to write regularly. You are my accountability and for that I say, thank you.
Even more than that, thank you for encouraging me. You have inspired me with your affirming words and I feel such an affection for you. I just received another e-mail from a mother who has endured the pain of the loss of an unborn child. To read how my experience encouraged her encouraged me even more so. Thank you for your comments, e-mails, cards, and packages–I mean, seriously, you send me Uggs!
And of course, thank you for making me laugh. Out loud. You are a funny lot.
And last, but certainly not least, thank you to Michelle, who recommended me for the job. I feel quite indebted to you!
I can’t believe how cathartic writing this blog has been for me. It is not natural for me to be publicly vulnerable and forthright about what is happening in my life, and especially on this big, scary thing known as the internet. Yet, I have found a joy in sharing that I never would have expected. Truly, if reading what the Lord is teaching me helps one other person, then the vulnerability is worth it.
And doing these devotionals has been a joy in itself. Jonathon Edwards is credited for seeing all the world as a metaphor for spiritual things. It has been such a blessing to be forced to pause and look afresh at the ordinary things in my life and see an extraordinary hand working in and through them. I want to be faithful to proclaim the good things that God has done. The Psalmist David writes, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16).
I echo this and say the Lord has blessed me through you, and I praise Him for it.
(For those of you not in the know, “ctrl + enter” is the short-cut for sending an e-mail in Microsoft Outlook. Shortcuts–learn them! They are your friends.)
And thank you, Rachel, for sharing your life with us. Your blog is something I look forward to checking every time I hit the computer, it is a privilege to laugh and cry with you on a daily basis as a result.
God’s blessings on your devotionals, I am confident many readers will be blessed and changed by your sweet testimonies of God’s faithfulness in your life.
Love you sweet friend!
Congratulations Rachel, that is fantastic! I enjoy reading your blog every day…your writing is so beautiful and I have enjoyed getting to know you a little better both in person and via your blog. Congrats again!
And I thought ctrl + enter only did page breaks. Thanks for the tip.
I’m so glad that you write about your life & family on this blog. And I’m happy for you that you got to write those devotionals & write even more now. Blessings to you, my friend.
I am happy, too, that you are using your talents both on this blog and in writing devotionals. Who knows where this may take you? Wow….
And what about those Uggs? Did you find out where they came from?
I love reading your blog and am so excited for the opportunity you have writing the devotionals. I agree with Grammy above, who knows where this may take you!
Rachel, it was completely MY pleasure to recommend to you write devotionals for us. After reading a particularly moving piece on your blog, I forwarded your name instantly to the woman who mentioned she was looking for new writers. You are a natural! May you write many more devotionals for us.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for so long, my weeks aren’t complete without checking to see your new posts. I’m usually a lurker, but I read every post. Keep sending us your wonderful, insightful words. Your everyday insights are ones most of us notice in our own lives–you are just so wonderful at putting them in words.
Michelle
Rachel,
What a new found treasure!! Your blog is wonderful. I skimp by with just posting pictures on my blog and am truly blessed by other women who can write and edify those of us who can only post – not write! And I am especially blessed to hear your heart more than I can on a busy MOMS morning or just in passing at church.
Blessings,
Christa R
That is so exciting, my friend!
You DO have such a talent for eloquent, creative, descriptive, heart-warming, relate-able writing! I too always LOVE to read what you write here on your blog!!!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us all!
Good for you and how exciting to reconnect with the “real world!” I LOVE your blog and I so look forward to reading about you and your day to day life stories. From the first time I read your blog, I thought, “This girl has a talent for writing!” You really do. So, congratulations! Good luck with future writing endeavors! I can’t wait to hear about them!