I came into January with a head full of ideas – changes I wanted to make – and a vision of how I would move forward to maintain momentum on my recently published book and build audience for possible future books. It all seemed clear and very exciting in a big-picture sort of way.
Then, I started breaking it down into nuts and bolts and got stuck on how to move forward. I knew a writing project I wanted to produce, but despite my showing up at the page, day after day, it wasn’t coming. I had visions of a new website and new business cards, but didn’t know how to make the decisions necessary to move ahead while still keeping all of my other plates spinning.
Added to my lack of momentum was the typical January need for a post-Christmas re-boot and a few new added time commitments. Then the kids got sick one-by-one and now the cat too needs to go to the vet for a nasty head cold.
In the middle of it all I’ve been feeling the stress of big plans and little progress building in me like a pressure cooker. No progress I do make feels quite like enough compared to what I have yet to complete.
This morning things came to a head, thanks to an accidental pot of decaf coffee and an extra nap after the kids hit the buses. Suddenly I found the space to accept what I’ve known for some time now – I was putting off what I did know while waiting to figure out what I didn’t and, in the process, I was losing steam and direction. It was all so counter-productive.
Do what you know, I thought, and let the rest go.
What I do know is that I’m ready to be done hosting the #SmallWonder link-up. I’m so grateful for those of you who’ve faithfully gathered and participated in this little community – thank you for journeying with me. I’ve known #SmallWonder was coming to a close for some time and was hoping to make a smoother transition into some new things I have in the works, but, like I said, sometimes you have to do what you know first in order to build momentum to do the next thing and the next.
I hope you’ll all keeping coming around to say hi and I look forward to continuing to visit your blogs. I still believe, more than ever, in the power of small things to communicate the grace and love of God and that our capacity to be moved to wonder is a key to living in full humanity.
So, here’s to one last link-up – our 100th! And if you have a word or two to share about what this community has meant in the comments, I’d really appreciate it! Also, my plan is to continue to post here twice a week – likely on Monday and Thursday – so stop by for news, updates and to connect. Or, sign up for my newsletter to keep on top of upcoming events and changes.
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Welcome to the #SmallWonder link-up.
What if we chose to deliberately look for small moments of wonder, the small sparks of presence, of delight or sorrow, of true humanity in which we meet God?
That’s my proposal – that we gather here each week to share one moment of Wonder from each of our days. You’re invited to link-up a brief post about a small moment of wonder. Don’t worry if your post is too long, too short, or not just right – you’re welcome to come as you are.
While you’re here, please do take a look around and encourage at least one other blogger with a comment. Thanks for being part of our community!
Kelly, I have enjoyed being here, meeting you, reading your words, and being a part of your launch team. May God bless you in all that He calls you to do!
Thank you Joanne! Trusting we will keep in touch.
I admit that I'm sad to hear this news, but I totally understand. Thank you for your diligence in hosting us here for so long, Kelly. It's been a grace-filled space and I've loved the community that has gathered here so consistently. God bless you in your new endeavors!
Lisa, I'm grateful for your faithful presence here and at your blog. Keep in touch!
I will chime in with Lisa and Joanne, Kelly. You've been a faithful, gracious host. When I read your words about the decision to 'let go and go on' I had a picture of a garden in the winter overblown with leaves and such. Then the gardener-you-revisits the spot, cleans up the spent debris to make room for the sun to reach the roots of what's below and there's not only room for new life to grow, but energy as well.
God has just begun, Kelly; you'll figure it out.
Thanks Jody, you're support is always a gift. Yes, making room for a new beginning that incorporates the gifts of the old.
I'm thankful to be a part of your 100th linkup, Kelly! I'm working through your delightful book and look forward to seeing what is revealed here over the course of 2017! Don't rush the process 🙂
Oh, thank you June! I hope you find the book meaningful.
Kelly, I've wondered why you don't go through your blog posts–especially the small wonder link up posts, and turn those into a short book. Your Chicken book was just the right length to get me through a patch when I was having trouble starting a new novel.