Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Writer Relief


Okay. So I really didn't cry.

But I felt like it for a passing moment.

I finished day three of my new job as a social worker. I haven't done it in seven years. Nursing homes are busy places and trying to jump in and learn can be a little overwhelming. Especially to someone who is used to staying at home and doing whatever she wants, when she wants and how she wants.

But I took a deep breath and prayed.

Soon a woman smiled at me and asked me how it was going so far. Another employee asked me the same question five minutes later.

Support and Prayer.

Where would we be without it? Where would we be as writers without it? Especially when those rejections roll in, or the brain freezes, or when we want to give up.

When was the last time you stopped in the middle of your writing and just prayed for the help to get through it?

Do you remember the feeling?

I do.

39 comments:

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Terry,

Wow, day three of your new job, and already other workers are reaching out to you. Thank you, Lord!

I personally would be NOWHERE without prayer. Prayer has changed my life...for the better.

I pray constantly for God to help me with my writing. I have to, because it doesn't come easily to me. But He is faithful. He hears our prayers and He enables us to do the impossible.

I pray that God will strengthen you and grant you grace, joy and peace on this new job, Terri. May He uphold you and bring wonderful new friends into your life!

Linda Glaz said...

Every new step is always filled with uncertainty until that first smile. Then the peace, then the confidence.

Great Grandma Lin said...

we can do anything if we rely on the lord and do our part...

Andrea said...

I have to stop and pray A LOT!! My memory or lack there of keeps me humble.
Hugs, andrea

Jan Cline said...

Uh, right now. I need to dig in and finish my edit, and I feel like Im starting over. Ive been so busy with other things. How nice of the Lord to encourage you today! He knows our need.

Heidi Willis said...

A new schedule is always daunting, and a new workplace even more so. How great is our God that we can trust Him to be with us in those places, and to use those around us to give us reassurances!

Linda Hoye said...

Hugs to you, Terri as you begin this new job. You'll do awesome, especially as you rest in the hands of our Father.

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Yes, I do.

You can do this, Terri! I'm praying for you! And so glad you have co-workers who are friends!

Rosaria Williams said...

New job in social work? You need all the strength you can gather.

Karen Lange said...

I pray often when I write. Couldn't get by without it:)

Praying for you!

Nicole said...

I get the best results when I pray before writing my articles. For some strange reason I don't do it like I should when I attempt to write a fiction piece. I find that God brings to my mind how I should approach the article. I get so excited because I know that it will be good because I feel that it came straight from heaven. I will pray for you on your new job. With God's help you will be just fine!

Carla Gade said...

I have to pray my way through my writing every step of the way.

I hope your new job goes well, Terri, it will get easier as you get more used to it. Hang in there. Prayers there, too!

Anonymous said...

It takes us through rough times and gives us hope...that's the power of prayer!

They say "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it" :)

Tea with Tiffany said...

I would feel the tension if I had to work a set schedule again. I pray you are sensing God's comfort and strength as you step out into a new season.

Prayer is powerful. I find myself walking and talking with God all day long. I couldn't live without Him. I know me, I'd be a mess.

God bless you this week and beyond.

Heckety said...

I'm glad you are holding on- in new situations I always think to myself 'it'll never be like thins again, it will get easier' ;a friend of mine thinks 'this too will pass'! Of course next week God may throw us a different curveball but it won't be the same as what we are dealing with now, and we'll have the experience of today to cope with tomorrow!
Well that's how I pray it through, and I'm the worst at coping with the new and different nowadays.

Anonymous :) said...

If I needed a social worker, I would pray that God led me to you. You're going to make a difference.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Goodness, there's such truth to this, Terri. If we can catch ourselves in that moment, give it to Him, it makes all the difference.

I've been thinking of you all week! I'm glad you're handing in there.

BeckyJoie said...

I'm glad you are getting support. I need it in writing right now. I want to slow down my schedule to write more and I want to have time to earn money but with the many hats I am wearing right now, I am unable to. I just feel so tired and needing support sometimes. God always provides it when needed. Your blog is one of the ways. Thanks for sharing. You always have good things for me to read. :>)

Georgiana Daniels said...

I can't imagine trying to get through the writing journey (or any journey, for that matter) without prayer. The people God has sent my way have been the biggest blessing.

Hopefully you will get passed feeling overwhelmed soon. I can only imagine what it is like working there and the demands.

Kathleen said...

I consider it a routine for just about everything. Whether writing or living, many days find me doing exactly this (sometimes with Kleenex in hand).

I've come to consider it "watering"; and it helps immensely when it comes to growth.

Bless you and your new adventure!

Kathleen

Analisa said...

Hi Terri,
I have been away from reading blogs for a minute so I was delighted to find you found a job. In a place where you can be a blessing. Hold on God will work all things to your favor. His grace is there.

When hard times came on my last job sometimes I would go to the ladie's room and just pray or lift my hands up to God and praise him for a few moments for his faithfulness. It would settle my weary soul. You have my prayers.

Melissa Amateis said...

I need to do this MORE OFTEN. Why do I forget? It's so frustrating. I need more reminders!

I'm so thrilled that you have the support you need in this new job.

jdsanc said...

Five minutes ago. Not really, but I would have if I had thought of it. God is great that way. But also great about telling me to get off my butt and fix things myself. Best part, He is always there.
Hope things go better next week. Starting something new takes a lot of courage. We're we you, Girl!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I'm so glad things are going well for you with the job. I'm still praying. :)

Each day as I journal, I ask the Lord what's on His agenda. I ask Him to give me words that live and breath and touch hearts.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

Yep, I know the feeling when I'm writing. :-)
I'm so glad God is helping you out! I hope you make some awesome relationships through this new job.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Sounds as if you're off to a solid start; adjustments are hard, but you can do this. Are you in a nursing home? I used to work in one and LOVED it! If I had to go back into the work force, I'm pretty sure I'd head there first.

peace and prayers for you~elaine

Jeanette Levellie said...

I'm so proud of you, girl. You will get used to this job, and soar like an eagle soon. Keep looking up to your sweet God and Savior.

I don't pray as much as I should over my writing, even though I tell others to pray. I'm such a hypocrite.

Tana said...

I hate the learning curve of a new workplace! I'll be lifting you up along with your mom. How is she doing?

Edie said...

I am so thrilled for you having a new job. I have been praying for you daily. It's so encouraging to see God begin to part the sea.

Good words here too. We should always be looking to God to take the lead in our work. It's amazing how He comes through.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Aw...I love how God gave you support thru others when you needed it. :)
I can't tell you the last time I prayed in the middle of writing. I think I should.

Nancy said...

New jobs are so difficult. I'm glad you have nice people to work with. God will see you through.

When I used to get rejects from my "babies" I sent out, I did cry. There was no one to help me like I have now with all of the bloggers. I'm sure they are a comfort to you, too, and I hope you have you have good news on your recent projects.

Karen Wilber said...

I've had to pray through the frustration of not having time to write. I feel like I'm missing out on something--but right now I'm called to mother 2 busy little boys.

(And God bless you in your work at the nursing home. I had contact with several social workers during the year my dad was sick. You guys can be a real blessing to frightened families.)

Ginny said...

Hi Terri, I imagine the firt couple of weeks will seem so difficult in all ways..But..let me know in about, say, a month, and it will seem like you never had the opportunity to stay at home! I still have you on my prayer list.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Like coffee, don't know how people get through their day without it. I'm adding a few more for you too.

Greg C said...

I know I couldn't handle that job. My hat is off to you Terri. So glad you are working now though.

Eileen Astels Watson said...

That sounds very familiar to me. When I'm in the throws of writing, this is often the case for me. Stop, deep breath, PRAY!!!, move on and get more words in.

I'm praying for you, Terri! May your new job bring you much joy and fulfillment!

Clementine said...

So true! I don't know what I'd do without my writing buddies. Sometimes a word of encouragment makes the difference between giving up and pushing forward. God is so good to bring us together!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

you reminded me how much God really cares about us. He sends support in so many ways - the smile and kindness of your co-workers....just what you needed....☺

AS for writing...I've felt like giving up..but after telling God I'm not doing this anymore...my best friend, a writer will call and tell me she sold one of my books or someone else will email or call telling me something I really need to hear that reminds me why I'm doing this.

You're the best Terri. Stay strong ok.

dragonwithin said...

Oh, yes...I am well aware of how it's like to feel that way--and it's no picnic. Rejection is the worst, for it's enough to dampen your motivation regardless of whether or not you had experienced writer's block often. To forge through the career path, a writer needs all the motivation, effort, persistence, excellence, support, and prayers in the world.