One day I decided to get serious about writing instead of it just being a hobby. I designed a new website and started penning a book.
Soon I was writing into all hours of the night. I felt invigorated. My husband commented on my pleasant demeanor (as one who scores high in the melancholy department, this newfound joy was a welcome change).
But soon, the work started to take over and I couldn’t seem to stop.
I used to criticize those who were workaholics—especially those in ministry. How could they neglect their families for the sake of their work? But about a year into my work-from-home job, I realized that I had become one of them.
My desire to “arrive” as a writer seemed just out of reach, so I kept trying harder and working longer. Since creative projects energize me, I had a difficult time stopping to tend to the needs of others. I wasn’t getting enough sleep. I was irritable to my family.
Has your striving turned into an ugly display of grasping and clawing? Share on XFrom this place of unrest, I asked God for direction. If this book writing was just to stoke my ego, I needed to know that. But if there was a greater purpose, I needed to know that too.
An excerpt from Isaiah 61:1b (NIV) came to mind “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Then He impressed upon me…”and I am going to start with you.”
God wanted to address broken places in my heart and then use that message to do the same for others.
One of the broken places was my motivation for work…striving in order to be approved. I worked to earn things, like: love, acceptance, and worthiness.
For years I hustled to try and be holy instead of realizing that through Christ, I already was holy. Because of Jesus’s finished work on the cross and my belief in Him, I was already loved, accepted, and worthy—not because I worked hard but because He did the hardest work of all time (dying for my sins, so that I could be forgiven and restored to the Father).
Read the rest of this post over at Crystal Stine’s blog as part of her “Women Who Work” #HolyHustle series.
You might also like:
When You are Longing for Spiritual Rest (Guest Post by Holly Haynes)
Encouragement for the Burned Out, Work-at-Home Mama
P.S. Add your encouragement to Kelly Balarie’s #RaRaLinkup
As an type A personality, I have to stop and check my striving at times Katie.. I want to make sure my motives are to glorify Christ. It is easy to become distracted from God’s purpose when we’re striving. I just completed a book last year, so I can relate to the all- encompassing experience that can take place. It is invigorating and exhilarating, but also time consuming Thank you for sharing so honestly here. I look forward to reading your book once it’s complete. I hope you have a wonderful week and may God bless you and yours in all your endeavors.
Hi Horace: Type A here too! It is hard, especially when we have big projects to tackle. Thankful for a His grace and patience. Thanks for reading and sharing here.
I’m your neighbor at #Raralinkup.
I’m intrigued; will continue to the other site.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you had a great Tuesday. 🙂
Katie, I’ll head on over the Crystal’s to read the rest of this, but wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this. I can relate. It is hard to find balance! It’s something I’m putting considerable thought into this very week.
Blessings!
Hi Leslie: Thank you for sharing that. Yes, it is so hard. So thankful for His grace that is so extravagantly available, even when we strive. 😉