It’s almost embarrassing how frequently I get stuck. This includes more in life than writing, of course. And while I haven’t quite figured out how to “get unstuck” from it all, there’s a handy little writers’ block tool that I stumbled upon a few years back. I present to you: The Observation Deck.
Basically, it’s a deck of cards that contains creative exercises to help jump-start stalled ideas. When necessary, I draw one, follow the prompt, and revisit my piece of writing. Most of the time, it’s helpful. But I’ve been stuck on this one for months.
It says, “Learn from the masters,” and the accompanying booklet directs me to study an expert writer or artist, then try to create something in their style that reflects what I’ve learned. Though it sounded fun, deciding whom to study and finding the time to do so eluded me. Was I stuck being stuck? Visions of Winnie the Pooh wedged in the hole to Rabbit’s house came to mind. Perhaps after a little bit of time, I’d also find some kind of inspiration to push and pull me out.
That’s when a realization hit me like the time I unsuspectingly walked straight into a window (another embarrassing moment that involved multiple witnesses to my abrupt- and painful- discovery that what I thought was a doorway was actually extremely clean glass).
My current sudden- and less painful- epiphany: while I’d been distracted thinking about artistic masters, I ignored what I had already been learning from THE Master. And good gravy, we’ve been busy together. He’s been showing me His way and letting me practice with hands-on learning.
Faith
Jesus shows me His faithfulness. He demonstrates consistency, both historically and in my limited life experience. When He makes a promise, He comes through. Circumstances, on the other hand, are a whirlwind of change. Even when I’m able to handle external situations, the internal chaos of bipolar mood shifts requires attention. It’s a bit overwhelming. So Christ continues to be the Rock, the Anchor, and the solid Foundation in my storms. I practice trusting Him and finding peace there.
Hope
We’re all feeling stretched by the rising cost of living and those little surprises that make demands on our bank accounts. Car repair, healthcare, home maintenance…. I could go on, but that’s enough to cue anxiety’s dramatic entrance. Thankfully, we can run to the Master and our spiritual apprenticeship. While this is a personal struggle right now, God shows me His provision and timing when it appears that everything is falling apart. Support from loved ones, a side job, and creative solutions came at just the right time- too specific to be coincidence. He’s teaching me that when we despair, we have no idea what can change in the very next moment. The things He’s done in the past give us ample reason to believe that He will continue to provide goodness. As Beth Moore pointed out on Twitter a few months ago, “There’s too much history for there to be no future.” Giving up is unnecessary as we hold onto God’s hope.
Love
It’s impossible to observe the Master and not be overwhelmed by love. Practicing that as a human though? That’s incredibly challenging. There are more examples of His compassion and nurture than I can list, and they’re tightly woven into every day. But as I receive Jesus’ love, am I sharing it? The Master is repeatedly demonstrating how to love my neighbor and instructing me to follow His lead. This is an ongoing challenge. While I have fallen into the rhythms of serving in church ministry, am I actually loving others? Do I see them the way God does? Am I considering their best interests or assuming what they need? Is my heart truly motivated by Christ’s compassion? Or am I only offering kindness because I think it’s morally correct? God patiently shows me how to love, and I clumsily attempt to be like Him.
And so my apprenticeship continues. It’s all still in progress and I’m immensely grateful to slowly grow to be more like Jesus. I’m pretty sure we’re going to stick with these basics until I get a little better at them, but I’m eager to advance to the next lesson whenever I’m ready. There’s so much to learn from the Master.
But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:5-6)
Fellow apprentice, what is He teaching you? I’d sincerely love to hear about it, either by email or in the post comments. Thank you for sharing the things you’re practicing, too!