Saying No to the Good

Posted on by Marie

Along the Way @ mlsgregg.com

Gentle Reader,

I should have written this last Monday.

Didn’t want to.

Still don’t want to.

Enough with the teeth gritting and the foot stomping and the insisting on my own plans. Either I believe God has the best for me or I don’t. Can’t have it both ways.

For around two years now (give or take as I don’t remember exactly) I’ve maintained a posting schedule. Every Monday, every Thursday night/Friday. I’ve taken breaks here and there. Sometimes I’ve written more than the usual two entries. But always, in the back of my mind, was the routine.

This has been a very good thing. Much as I need to write, I’ll let other tasks and priorities push the time at the keyboard to the bottom of the list. Having a self-imposed schedule has helped me to remember, or maybe to learn, that the words matter. What I have to say matters. I have been given this ability for a reason and to let it go unused is like slapping God’s face. I’m not being dramatic here. I firmly believe that each of us was created with passion and purpose. Our talents and drives are no accident.

I love the bloggers with whom I’ve had the privilege of interacting. The internet can be a nasty place, the cloak of anonymity moving some to unleash the venom and the vitriol. Not so with the men and women whose words have encouraged, challenged, entertained and convicted me. Across the miles we form a network of genuine care and support.

I’m honored that you, dear reader, take the time to come here and read these words of mine. I appreciate your comments. I like that we’ve kept it civil all these years, even when we disagree. I like knowing your thoughts.

Now the thing that I don’t want to write.

I have this book I’m working on. I don’t talk about it much, not even with my husband. It may never be published. Nobody else may ever read it. The completion of the project could be nothing more than an exercise in obedience. No, God hasn’t given me some extra-Biblical revelation. (Smack me upside the head and rightly call me a heretic if I ever claim that). He hasn’t appeared in a vision and commanded me to write. Nevertheless, there’s a message in my mind, one that I cannot shake.

And so, my friend, I have to step away from here.

Oh, I’ll still post. I’m not giving up Five Minute Friday anytime soon. Count on that. There will be other times I won’t be able to resist sharing and you’ll see me pop up in your feed. I simply can’t promise any regularity in this particular season and I don’t know how long that will last.

We all know that there are only so many hours in the day. I have a job and a marriage and ministry commitments and family and friends and just the stuff of life, like laundry and bathing the dogs. I’ve got a limited supply of health and energy with which to accomplish those tasks and pour into those relationships. So, for now, I have to say “no” to the good that is this blog. I have to let myself focus on this book.

Lack of new content is the kiss of death in the blogging world. I know that. My stats are going to drop off. I’m going to lose subscribers. Ninety-nine percent of me hates that reality. I’m going on eight years here. I don’t want to have to rebuild, small though my reach may be.

But the one percent, the tiny sliver of me that knows that obedience is better than clicks and sometimes holy pruning hurts, realizes that it’s a price worth paying. I want to be able to say with confidence that I did as the Lord asked of me to the best of my abilities.

So, Gentle Reader, I’ll be seeing you.

Just not as often as I’d like.

My journey to faith. (15)

22 thoughts on “Saying No to the Good”

  1. Good luck with the book (I’ve written a few and know how demanding they can be). If you can’t find a publisher for it, you can always self-publish depending on how wide an audience you want to reach.

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  5. Ugh! I wasn’t happy to read that I will not see your writing as much as I have been but I fully understand it because as you said “Obedience is better than clicks and sometimes holy pruning hurts”. I love you bunches and totally support and encourage you in whatever the Lord plans for you! When you complete your book, I am requesting an autographed copy!

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  6. Marie, I’d like to give you some encouraging news. Not posting regularly does not necessarily mean that your readership will go down.
    I have not posted anything new on my WordPress blog about depression A Darker Shade of Blue in years, and yet my numbers continue to rise, basically on the strength of just one post, 99 Words About Depression. I could never have foreseen this response.
    Yes, it is likely that you will lose some people following your blog, but it is not inevitable. Even at the best of times my posts were irregular, and still my stats have always improved.
    God bless your writing, all of it. I will still stay tuned, and I predict that there will be many, many others who will as well.

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  7. Oh, Marie…I know your dilemma well. I don’t talk about it either. 😉 I think you’re wise to choose to place your focus in the place that is demanding your attention. And the results, well those belong to God. Your obedience won’t return void. We’ll miss you, but those that love your words will still be here when you get back…and prayerfully your words will be between two covers for us to enjoy!!

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  8. I’m excited about your book! Blessings as you follow where the Lord is leading you. I’m constantly having to refocus and cut back in areas. I have a tendency to have more “great ideas” than there is time in the day to accomplish. 🙂 My husband helps me see clearly what is most realistic. I’m proud of you for taking this step, and I know it will be worth it. Blessings! 🙂

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