I amen-ed all the way through this post. My spouse is in a season of unemployment that feels permanent, but writing and homemaking have long chosen me, and I have always found comfort in your books. Your words here affirm my courage. Provision need not be inside my control, just the patience to receive it.
Once again, your words bring comfort and a beautiful reminder of simple practices that truly matter. Thank you for your faithfulness to show up and share with us.
Andi, what a pleasure and gift it is to read your beautifully crafted voice on the wonder of writing. I, too, share your amazement and gratitude at realizing God made me to be a writer, and am in the season now of saying no to many things so I may say my wholehearted yes to the things that matter most. Thank you for all the years you’ve been keeping in writer’s shape and sharing those words with us. I am so grateful for you.
It is indeed. I hope saying no gets easier but I know that I see the need for it more now than ever. What feels new is shame lingering less and peace residing more when I do. I hope that is true for you, too. :-)
I really wish I could, but traveling doesn't work so well for me these days. Too much back pain for long sits. But I did go several times in past years. It's a wonderful gathering!
Beautiful. And thank you for this! As a writer who also experiences writing "as a constant astonishment—an ever-unfolding joy that deepens with age," I appreciate the words you, a writer who works from the daily moments of life, put to your practice.
Andi- it was a joy to chat with you for a moment last week, and a joy to hear about your flow, your longings, your habits, even the art near your writing desk. It makes me smile knowing that there are these beautiful desires that we just can't shake, and when we get to sit with them, watch out! The heart may swell. I hear your swelling heart. I hope you hear mine!
Lovely. And encouraging. I have drifted from my writing practices and habits -- 5.5 years of seminary while also teaching had something to do with it -- but there's always time to write SOMETHING. Thanks for this. And keep going! I was looking for a book yesterday and came across "Why everything that doesn't matter matters so much." A good book for a new year. Blessings on your new phase and the writing that will come within it.
Thank you for sharing your experience … there’s a lot that resonates and is helpful here. ‘If you don’t know what to write about, start with yesterday, or the week before, or right now.’ I often think of your wisdom around hospitality too.
"When I sat down to write, I didn’t have one big idea to explore; I had small ideas, life details. I’m a diarist, so those aren’t hard to find." I needed this reminder today. Thank you, Andi. I always feel welcomed by your words. xoxo Elizabeth
This essay is chock full of wisdom, as are you yourself! Thank you for sharing these words of both gentle challenge and strong encouragement. You are a gift to many.
I amen-ed all the way through this post. My spouse is in a season of unemployment that feels permanent, but writing and homemaking have long chosen me, and I have always found comfort in your books. Your words here affirm my courage. Provision need not be inside my control, just the patience to receive it.
"...the patience to receive it." So good, Reagan. Thank you.
Thank you Andi, I am so ready to be retired and have my time for myself. Love your writing!
Thank you, AK. I hope that time is very, very close.
Thank you. I needed this challenge, encouragement, and inspiration today.
Thank you, sweet friend. So glad.
Thank you, Andi. Your words are balm to my mind and heart.
And your words are a gift to me!
Once again, your words bring comfort and a beautiful reminder of simple practices that truly matter. Thank you for your faithfulness to show up and share with us.
Your words are always so encouraging, Kim. Thank YOU.
Speaks to me in this season of life!! Thank you!
Thank you, Roger. So glad!
Andi, what a pleasure and gift it is to read your beautifully crafted voice on the wonder of writing. I, too, share your amazement and gratitude at realizing God made me to be a writer, and am in the season now of saying no to many things so I may say my wholehearted yes to the things that matter most. Thank you for all the years you’ve been keeping in writer’s shape and sharing those words with us. I am so grateful for you.
So, so encouraging, Lancia. Thank you, my friend. Saying no in order to say yes. It's constant, isn't it? And so important.
It is indeed. I hope saying no gets easier but I know that I see the need for it more now than ever. What feels new is shame lingering less and peace residing more when I do. I hope that is true for you, too. :-)
The Correspondent is definitely on my list! Any chance you’re going to the Festival of Faith and Writing this year? :)
I really wish I could, but traveling doesn't work so well for me these days. Too much back pain for long sits. But I did go several times in past years. It's a wonderful gathering!
I completely understand. It is so hard to fly with back pain. I’m glad to know the event is a good one! Looking forward to it.
Beautiful. And thank you for this! As a writer who also experiences writing "as a constant astonishment—an ever-unfolding joy that deepens with age," I appreciate the words you, a writer who works from the daily moments of life, put to your practice.
Thank you, Dawn!
So beautifully written and full of encouragements. Thank you!
Thank you, Anna!
Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Margeaux!
Andi- it was a joy to chat with you for a moment last week, and a joy to hear about your flow, your longings, your habits, even the art near your writing desk. It makes me smile knowing that there are these beautiful desires that we just can't shake, and when we get to sit with them, watch out! The heart may swell. I hear your swelling heart. I hope you hear mine!
Joy, I loved our moments together! And this comment--so beautiful!
Lovely. And encouraging. I have drifted from my writing practices and habits -- 5.5 years of seminary while also teaching had something to do with it -- but there's always time to write SOMETHING. Thanks for this. And keep going! I was looking for a book yesterday and came across "Why everything that doesn't matter matters so much." A good book for a new year. Blessings on your new phase and the writing that will come within it.
Laura! Thank you. You are such a great writer. Keep it in the mix as you can. It's so good to hear from you.
Thank you for sharing your experience … there’s a lot that resonates and is helpful here. ‘If you don’t know what to write about, start with yesterday, or the week before, or right now.’ I often think of your wisdom around hospitality too.
Thank you for all this encouragement, Sharon!
"When I sat down to write, I didn’t have one big idea to explore; I had small ideas, life details. I’m a diarist, so those aren’t hard to find." I needed this reminder today. Thank you, Andi. I always feel welcomed by your words. xoxo Elizabeth
Thank you for sweet encouragement, Elizabeth. Love to you.
This essay is chock full of wisdom, as are you yourself! Thank you for sharing these words of both gentle challenge and strong encouragement. You are a gift to many.
Thank you for this, Tim. It comes as a gift on this very cold day in our ice-battered city!