1 Jun 2015

When We Don't Know What We Should Be Doing


Praying Mantis by Tom Hannigan(CC BY 2.0


I’ve been struggling for months. I’ve been writing and posting and visiting other blogs, keeping up my Facebook page and answering messages. And all the time wondering if this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

I’ve had times when I’ve just wanted to retreat back to my smaller offline world and forget about blogging. And then just as quickly, I’ve had an idea for a post, written it and then felt excited again.

Up and down. Up and down. It’s not a very peaceful state to be in.

Sometimes I cry out, “What am I supposed to be doing?”

I’ve asked my children: “You like writing, Mum. Don’t give up.”

I’d ask my husband, Andy, but I know he'd encourage me to do what I want, whatever I enjoy. 

But what do I want to do? 

Sometimes I wonder if an unsettled feeling means God is telling me this phase of my life is over. He has different things for me to do. If only I'd move on, those new things will present themselves. If I stop writing and spend some time waiting and listening, I might hear my new instructions.

Then again, I wonder if those unsettled feelings are a nudge from the devil rather than God. If they were, I would then have to conclude the devil doesn’t want me to blog because blogging results in good. But whenever I think this, I am led back to the thought that perhaps I’m not actually doing anything worthy of the devil’s attention. But, of course, that would be what he wants me to think, wouldn't it?

These thoughts go around and around my mind. And it’s tiring. I sometimes yearn for my baby and toddler days when, although I often felt exhausted, I knew exactly what God wanted me to do.

Yesterday we arrived at Mass earlier than normal because my daughter Imogen was the cantor and she had to practise singing the psalm with the musical director before Mass began. So I had plenty of time to kneel in front of the altar and chat a little with God.

“What do you want me to do?” I cried as usual.

As I gazed up at the stained glass window above the altar, I wondered why this question feels like such a big deal. I’m healthy and have a happy and blessed life with my family. Why should I feel so churned up inside by such a small thing as whether I should blog or not. It’s not like I’m trying to make a huge life-changing decision. Just be grateful for what you have and buck up, I told myself.

Mass was celebrated. We returned home and someone remarked on how cold it was. I turned on the heater. Andy made coffee. One of the girls toasted some raisin bread. And we settled in the family room to enjoy our morning snack.

“What are you going to do today, Mum? my daughter Sophie asked.

And all of a sudden, I felt excited. “I’m going to write a post for the new blog I’ve been thinking about. How about you make me a blog header?”

So Sophie happily started blog header designing while I spilled some words onto the computer screen. They flowed out easily and minutes later, I had a post.

I’m still feeling excited. Why? I don't really know.

Up and down. Up and down. Up, up, up. I hope I don't return with a thump.

So that's where I'm at. This is where I am. 

I'm here in my brand new space where I can write anything I like about my life, my Catholic life. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to be writing about. It's all a bit of an adventure. Everyday life? Whatever thoughts happen to come to mind? Or might that be too rambling? What do you think? 

Do you ever find yourself wondering what you should be doing? Or where you are supposed to be?


Image: I wonder if you're wondering what a praying mantis has to do with all this!

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10 comments:

  1. I went back and forth about blogging a few years back. Would delete blogs, start blogs, take breaks from blogs. Pray about it; think about it, etc. I know I spend way too much time online with blogs but I also kept up with what I needed to keep up, work, did my daily devotions, etc. I finally came to the conclusion that I do enjoy writing and reading and felt maybe I was contributing something out there, if only maybe an encouraging word at times to others. I think you'll get to the same point as you continue to figure out what you want to do and what is God's will for you.

    betty

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    1. Betty,

      I'm sure a lot of good is coming from your blog. Ideas and opinions are always shared in a friendly way. Interesting discussions always result from your stories.

      Your comment is very helpful to me. "I also kept up with what I needed to keep up" I must admit that once I enter my writing world, I forget about everything else. Writing drags me away from such things as devotions, and then I feel guilty. I haven't worked out a good balance like you have. But I could work on it. Thank you!

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  2. Being totally selfish about it, I am VERY excited about this new blog. :)

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    1. Nancy,

      What would I do without you? Your excitement makes me feel excited and resolved to keep writing. I do appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

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  3. I hope you find your writer's groove here, Sue. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and ponderings xxx

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    1. Vicky,

      Thank you, Vicky, for leaving me this encouraging comment. I do love sharing with you! xxx

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  4. I am so thankful you are out here writing and posting! I can so relate to the up and down of the writing life but I guess in the end we are writers no matter which technology we write through. We are blessed by each other's words and thoughts and passions and photos. We are speaking up for what is beautiful and true in our small worlds and sharing with others a bit of God and our lovely Lord. I also, like Nancy, am VERY EXCITED about your new blog!!! And the praying mantis is beautiful for any beginning! Love and light your way....

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    1. Cynthia.

      Oh yes, we have to write regardless of which medium we use. Even if no one else sees our words, it's good to process our thoughts, put them into words. You are so kind encouraging me to share my words publicly. We are indeed blessed, being able to share with each other. I am gradually getting a feel for what I want to write about. And I'm feeling excited by everyone's excitement. That's the beautiful thing about friendship: Everyone is so very generous.

      I'm glad you like the praying mantis. I was searching for an image using the word 'praying' and ended up with this photo. I do like fun pictures so decided to use it!

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  5. Pretty much every day I ask that question, Sue. What should I do? I haven't written a book in nearly 2 years. Part of me still feels too mentally tired to attempt another. Blogging is about the right pace of a ramble for me right now. Onward and upward, Sue. I enjoy reading your rambles.

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    1. Susie,

      Oh, I understand about mental tiredness. Writing books is such hard mental work. It's much easier to write in small blog-post-sized portions. That's probably why I am so slow finishing my novels! Right pace of a ramble... exactly! I really enjoy your rambles too!

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