Today is almost the last installment of this #Write28Days Writing Challenge. I can tell you that I’m not done yet. I believe there is so much more to learn about joy that I can’t stop exploring now.

This was me a couple of years ago:

I’m often gung ho! in my writing and then fall off the grid in awe of those writers who post daily, send out newsletters, have absolutely awesome websites, are published authors, yadda, yadda, yadda. Yes, I fall into the comparison trap chickening out of posting something on Facebook, starting a Pinterest board, or anything else that could expose my ineptness. Then, I go into the not-good-enough cave for a couple of weeks (or months) until the cycle starts all over again.

Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

That was how I perceived myself as a writer, but that wasn’t accurate and not aligned with God’s intent for this work. Not in the least. Thankfully, that is not who I am today.

Sure, God still makes writing uncomfortable for me, in a good way at times, but that keeps me humble. As tough as it is, I like writing because it brings me joy, and I want to share that with others. I’ve said this before, and I still believe that kind of joy is God’s way of confirming I’m right where God wants me.

Can you relate to my experience?

Two years later, I’m posting regularly, and this week I’m getting ready to send my second monthly newsletter ever. During our COVID quarantine last spring, I worked on improving my website, and I still am. I haven’t written a book, but I’m publishing my work on WordPress, Facebook, and Instagram several times a week. And, what do you know, I started that Pinterest Board, too (it’s brand new, but it started).

That means there is no room in the not-good-enough cave anymore. The enemy is in there all alone, now.

This progress is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. And I think, if you look back to where you started this writing life, you will see His handiwork in your journey, too.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
–2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

Writers, we can be confident God HAS a plan, and He is working it (Jer 29:11, Phil 1:6). God HAS given us the Holy Spirit, Whose power can overcome ANY negative self-perception, lack of confidence, or fear of the vulnerability of writing.

God has ALREADY given us His power, love, and self-discipline to keep going. I think it’s safe to say that we only have to activate these gifts by faith to access His joy in our calling. Let’s dwell on these things and write about them, too (Phil 4:8).

Let us continue to encourage one another. It is so important.

Be confident that you are equipped for a purpose (Ephesians 4:12) and live it out. And, my writer friends, please stay out of the comparison trap and the not-good-enough cave. These are places we should never visit.

Joyful reflections

1. Take a few minutes to think about how you felt about your writing when you first started writing.
2. Now take a few more minutes to recap what you’ve accomplished since. That doesn’t necessarily mean awards and accolades, but confidence level, posting frequency, and content.
3. Thank God for your progress, whatever it looks like. Maybe you’ve gone from thinking to journaling, from journaling to blogging, from blogging to a book. Whatever it is, thank God for it and smile.

This post is part of the #Write28Days writing challenge. The prompt for today is PERCEPTION.

Featured Photo by Caroline Veronez on Unsplash