Tell me a story

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates ... (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

I woke up early. Too early. Just couldn't sleep any longer. Sat in the quiet with a good book. Whether its early morning or mid-afternoon, who doesn't like curling up with a book by a favorite author?

In the stillness, long before the day should begin, I was free to linger and read slowly. Taking the time to savor the descriptions written, the detail on every page. This morning I was fascinated by how the writer was able to paint scenes and emotions by just using words. How vivid! How tangible ... 

A writer must have to sit for extended periods of time with eyes closed to imagine every nuance and then somehow recreate it for others. And to express it as deeply. Must take time. Must take focus. Be intentional. There can be no multi-tasking here. Every sense on high alert; seeking; being fully present; examining from every angle.

Oh, that we were all able to slow down and fully appreciate the gifts of God that intently. To not just rattle off a list of counted blessings, but to examine and delight and just spend undivided mindful thought on even one of God's great overflowing of blessings.

To sit and hear the furnace kick on, watch the movement of the curtain near the register, the cats rhythmic purring, the gentle rock of my chair, the steam from my coffee cup, the comfort of my old flannel robe ...

I would like to encourage you to try your hand at the "writer's eye" and take a break from your rushing and multi-tasking. A "savor break". Take hold of something beautiful and relish it from every angle. Allow yourself to be present. Allow yourself to linger. Delight. Enjoy.

As the writer sees deeply, may you too immerse yourself in the blessings of the Lord.

What will you write today?