The Write Stuff

Sometimes I can sit down at the computer, sit back and practically just watch the words flow. Then there are those other times. A deadline is looming and I'm waiting for the flow. Waiting. Waiting. Still waiting. Nothing.

Those are the times when my house gets the cleanest. Anytime my house is a disaster, I would probably be wise to ask for a deadline and a bad case of writer's block. It's amazing how much I can get done around the house, and how many "important projects" I can think of, when I'm trying to avoid facing a blank screen. Suddenly it becomes quite urgent to polish the tulip bulbs and plant the light bulbs. No wait, maybe it's the other way around. Either way I have to have a snack afterwards.

Suddenly I find it necessary to arrange my indoor plants in an orderly fashion according to size, color and from dead to less dead. I find that plant-sorting happens so much easier when you keep a roll of pepperoni in one hand. Then I alphabetize the Barney videos we haven't watched in seven years and change the oil in the vacuum cleaner. While having a snack, of course. Anything for an excuse to forget the deadline for a few more minutes.

Whether the words are flowing or the carpet is getting vacuumed within a fiber of its life (while no Twinkie is safe), I need to make sure I never forget that it's all by God's grace and in His power.

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 says, "Make sure you don't forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today. Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and upmake sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God" (The Message).

The Lord teaches me both in the flowing and also in the waiting. Through thick or thin, flow or no, typing or snacking, I'm reminded that in my own strength, there's nothing of value on that screen. Nothing. Ever. Verse 17 says, "If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!", well, think again." The next verse says again that we must remember that God, our God, gives us the strength to produce anything of worth.

I'm praising God for His glorious provision. Think about it. He provides all the "write stuff" at just the right time. He even provides the pepperoni.

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Rhonda Rhea writes for dozens of Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her newest books, Soup for the Soul--Tastes Just Like Chicken, and Amusing Grace, at your local Christian bookstore. Who Put the Cat in the Fridge--Serving Up Hope and Hilarity Family Style will be available in March. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site.