I met my husband when I was sixteen years old. We dated for a year and a half before he left to serve an LDS mission just like my son, Jordan, is doing right now. For two years, we wrote letters back and forth on a weekly basis. I realized at that time how much I loved to write (and receive) letters.
Now that Jordan is a missionary and writing is our only form of communication, I am reminded, once again, of how much joy it brings me to write a simple letter. I could write him three times every week and never tire of putting life and encouragement into words on a page.
Lately, however, I have let this online space grow a little quiet because I have lost a bit of my spark for the writing. My inspiration has been lacking in a major way, leaving me grasping for ideas that never come. Instead, I end up writing letters to Jordan that come so quickly and whose creation brings me such happiness.
Apparently, it is not the writing that is holding me back. I suspect it might be the expectation I place upon myself to write something A-M-A-Z-I-N-G every time my fingers touch the keyboard. Those are high standards to meet; I tell you. If I can’t reach them, then why write? Who will read my work? Who will care? Is it worth my time and energy?
That, my friends, is a small portion of my internal dialogue surrounding any given post. With that mindset, I am setting myself up for failure before I ever begin to put an idea into sentences and paragraphs.
So I am going to try something different.
Rather than attempting to make each post stand alone in polished grandeur, I am going to pretend like I am writing letters to a friend. Perhaps, that will break down the barrier of writer’s block that has held me hostage in recent weeks.
When all is said and done, I want this blog to be a place of friendship and encouragement. Like I have said before, I am not skilled at providing expert advice because of the obvious fact that I am not an expert. But I am really good at being a loyal friend.
So come into my kitchen and pull up a chair. I will probably be experimenting with a new recipe (I usually am), but I am always up for company. I will pour you some orange juice while you sit at the counter and talk to me about life. I crave conversation like nobody’s business while my kids are at school.
Our talks will probably be candid and casual because that is how I live. No pretense. No polish. No perfection. Instead, I hope you will find good old-fashioned belonging.
It all begins with letters to you, my friends. I can’t wait to get started.
Hi Lynnette!
“A place of friendship and encouragement,” that’s what your blog has always been and continues to be for me. That’s why it’s by far one of my faves. I do feel like I’m sitting at your kitchen table enjoying life and God’s goodness with you. I am very thankful for you!
Thank you so much, Meg! I appreciate your kind words.