Recently I heard a well-known blogger respond to the question “What do you do with writers’ block?” with this answer “I just begin to write.” He said that his creative juices will start to flow once again with enough times of just writing out of habit. The concept of “just beginning” has truth in it. I began to apply this to my own life. For example, when I feel I have a painting or two I’d like to have painted already, or I do not know what to paint, and I don’t really have time…. if I just begin to paint, all of those inhibitions cease. I seem to paint effortlessly and forget that I was moments ago trying to work out how I’d go about painting.
The idea (or maybe even fact) that beginning to do something, helps fuel that habit or passion goes into so many areas of our lives. You want to begin to exercise? Just begin. You want to be a better photographer? Just begin. You want to write? Just begin. You want to learn to love better? Just begin. You’d like to be more generous? Just begin. Whether it’s a ten minute walk, a few photos here and there, a paragraph written before bed, a kind word spoken to a love one, a small token of appreciation to a coworker; the small act produces growth and change. When I just begin to do something, I feel connected to the habit more and often even excited by the activity. The benefits physically and emotionally are evident after experiencing them once again through practice. It feels good to learn something new, do something good for yourself and others, or use the talents we have within.
What brought this idea deeper into my mind was the implications I was seeing that it has on my spiritual life. Every week I am a part of a small group that honestly discusses our faith, struggles, and lives amidst the confusion of today. We really hash it out. And every time the struggles of “I don’t know where God is! Is He really with me?! I wish I was closer to God. I wish I felt God in my life.” arise, we all go back to the fact that drawing closer to Him, makes us realize how close He is to us. There are times I’ve been the one directed back on the path, and out of God’s grace the one helping to steer a friend in the right direction. From both standpoints, I see that the truth is this. God is really always near me, and the more I pause and be with Him in spirit, the more I feel His presence.
At the same conference this blogger was at, I heard over and over again the stories of God’s loved ones feeling aloof, distressed and confused. By the pure gift of God, they had come back and know Him all the more closely for it. One speaker even described in a book of hers that God said “I miss you.” to her heart. That one sentence took her back into a desire for companionship with her maker and Friend. Lately I have been wrestling, growing, and rethinking my season of life; being a young adult with no spouse or geographically close family. This, to others who know the joys of family and marriage, may seem to be a dilemma in need of solving, or a sad point in life. But in actuality, it is a season of opportunity. I have more time and mental capacity to love others, be a better daughter, friend, co-worker, and for self-reflection. All of which are great opportunities. But the best aspect of this time is that I can hole-up in my room and just be with God. I already spend my nights “alone”, and that gives me the time to just be – (Be still and know He is God – Ps. 46:10, and I am me). To read what Jesus says, to speak and listen to Him, and to learn about Him being with me. At first, this was like any hobby, practice, or habit in that my mind was trying to say “O but what would I begin to read? When would I have time for this? How should I go about this? Is this worth it?” but it, with warp speed, became something I couldn’t wait to do; a time that I cherish and hold close to my heart. I can feel God’s closeness more and more with each moment I invest.
So whether it’s something physical like exercise, mental like learning to be a better mathematician, or spiritual as walking closer with the Lord, beginning is a transformational step. I want to ask you, what do you want to just begin?
