I hate quitting
While Jon Acuff might like the word Quitter,
I’m guessing for the rest of us, quitting rarely looks appetizing
and when we risk it, it sits heavy and soured in our stomachs. In our just-do-it-culture, it’s no surprise that we don’t want to befriend the word, thought or deed – praying none of its bad-habits or mannerisms rub off on us.
But what if God begins to leads us to quit?
What if quitting is part of practicing listening and learning to trust Him more?
Quitting is almost as hard as starting.
When know that quitting is for our good, the goal can motivate even the weary.
When I finally quit smoking seven years ag0, I was excited that soon I’d be able to inhale deeper and exercise harder. No negatives to my quit – I didn’t worry that I’d miss my hair smelling like stale cigarette smoke, or that my food would taste too good.
But quitting doesn’t always feel so sure or nice.
Sometimes when we have to give up doing something good, it too closely resembles a loss. It makes sense that we hate losing more than quitting. That’s why small things can be just as hard to release.
We seek. We ask. and if the answer comes in the midst of doing – how often do we begin the chant of unhelpful words said to ourselves?
When we put up a fight to do it all, our tight fitting boots don’t leave room for us to grow into the place where God calls us.
Source: Everything book, marydemutheverything.tumblr.com
Graphic created by Renee @reneeannsmith.com
Quitting can narrow our focus
maybe. uncomfortable. stops. are. ways to make our paths straighter, smaller. Straight paths create mixed feelings for a lot of us, especially those of us who cling to lots of choices.
How do we quit then?
Instead of feeling cut-0ff from the rest of the world, I’m trying to rest in as I let things get cut away, the most fitting things for my life are able to freely grow along my path.
Writers have to learn this too.
Cutting, deleting, turning back, and starting over is the difficult, rewarding plot of the writer.
I started my first blog in “play” mode. No real plans or pressure, and I gave myself the freedom to practice writing when I felt like writing and shared bits of my writing in smaller, quite places online.
On this blog, I’ve quit “playing” and my writing is becoming a little more intentional, and focused. I joined other bloggers, through communities online – wonderful, beautiful ones, healing ones.
but I sense the need to stop. and. focus. here. so. that. I. can. see. my. own. path. come. into. view.
So, if you haven’t noticed, I’m quitting my 31 days of prayers for a five-year-old series
I completed it last year, and was so excited that worked full-time and blogged all 31 days. Even though it seems like I have more time this year, God is narrowing my vision. There are some fabulous topics from other bloggers at the Nester’s place. You really should visit!
(Or you can just visit a few of my favorite 31 dayers – the Gypsy Momma, Raggle -Taggle, Chatting at The Sky )
My plans to be involved in online community and prayers for my son haven’t changed – but the gentle voice leading me, or maybe I just got quiet enough to hear it.
What on your path is becoming smaller, more focused?
Is your writing path spotted with stops and redirects?
By the way, Mary DeMuth’s new book, Everything is going to be released in 4 days! Woo Hoo!!
I read an advanced copy of Everything and I’ve been blown away by the deep spiritual truths, wrapped in easy-to-apply words for every believer. You will want to add this book to your collection of books that changed your life!
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