Monday, July 23, 2012

Small Beginnings















My blogging friend, Carol, inspired me with her post about making a difference. I hope you'll visit her and check it out.

Do you ever wonder if your writing or blogging makes an impact on anyone? I do. Carol's post reminded me not to despise small beginnings. The young woman she wrote about collected $164 in pennies when she first began fund raising. Little by little, the amount grew until it's now in the millions. She inspired others to join in her efforts.

Our voices may be a whisper in cyberspace or print, but someone is listening. As that person catches the vision and runs with it, the sound amplifies. We'll never know the true extent of our influence until we reach our heavenly home.

Writers: How do you maintain a healthy perspective on your writing journey?

Readers: Has a devotional, blog post, or book encouraged you to press on through a difficult situation? Please share.

I'll go first, speaking from a reader's perspective. After my husband died, I read a book where one of the characters dealt with grief. The author handled the subject and brought much comfort to my aching heart.

Photo credit: aquima

13 comments:

JD said...

Hi, Susan:

Thank you for pointing us to Carol's blog. And I'm sorry for your loss. I'm not sure how long ago your husband passed, but it's never a bad time to extend someone your condolences. (Hugs.)

To answer your post's question, I maintain a healthy perspective on my writing journey by asking for feedback from those whose candor I can count on. I'm excited to grow in my craft and pray a lot about it, so that helps to maintain my spirits. What also helps me is to stick to a realistic writing schedule. If I don't, everything suffers--from my writing to my relationships to my health.

Wishing you a beautiful week.

Be well,
Janette

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette -

Thank you for your condolences and hugs. My husband has been gone 5 years, but I know there are others whose grief is fresh. I try to use every experience to help others along the way.

Your plan sounds like it's working well. Prayer is also a key for me.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

Some days it is a battle to keep a good perspective. Staying in the Word and talking with good friends helps keep me grounded. Thanks for being one of those good friends. :)

Blessings,
Karen

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I try to remind myself as much as possible that every little thing I do each day is a step toward something bigger.

Linda O'Connell said...

Susan,
Recently I read, We all come with baggage. Find a partner who will help carry your load or help you unpack. Those inspirational thoughts speak volumes sometimes. Have a grand week.

Terri Tiffany said...

I know even with the friends online--I miss them when I haven't heard from them in awhile. Their words always make a difference to me.

Carol J. Garvin said...

I don't often consider what impact I might have with my writing until someone (like you!) points out something that was meaningful. For blog posts I just take whatever thought God plunks into my mind, and run with it. I've done pretty much the same with my novel writing, but sometimes wonder where that is leading and whether I'm on the right track. I begin each writing session with prayer. I write and leave the results in God's hands.

As a writing reader I'm frequently uplifted by Bonni Goldberg's reflections in ROOM TO WRITE. It isn't a devotional, but I'll flip it open to a random page and always find encouragement for the writing life.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen - Yes, it helps to bounce things around with a friend - like you. :)

Hi Cindy - What was the saying about every journey starts with a single step? So true!

Hi Linda - We sure do need each other.

Hi Terri - I can't wait until you move to my state. We'll actually get to meet!

Hi Carol - Thank you for providing inspiration for this post.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jean Fischer said...

I try to remember that the Lord has a purpose for what I write, and I pray that that He guides my words. If just one person finds inspiration from my writing, that's fine with me. God knows whom He wants to visit and read my blogs.

You always give us something to think about, Susan. Thank you for blogging faithfully.

Blessings,
Jean

Jaime Wright said...

Mmmm, great question Susan! I hope my blog can touch people - if nothing else bring a smile to their face on a dreary day ...

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I treasure small beginnings.. I am still happy with every new blog follower, with every comment. On the other side, I get a lot of encouragement out of other blogs and I often tell them: don't ever think no one reads your blog! If you can encourage or comfort one person you have fulfilled the law of Christ...

Rhonda Schrock said...

I like this, Susan. Needed that reminder (don't despise small beginnings). Would love to know where that comes from. Do you know?

Waving,

Rhonda

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jean - Even when someone critiques my work, they're reading what God has put on my heart.

Hi Jaime - As a blogger, I keep my reader in mind. If my experience, a book, an author interview, or some tidbit I picked up can help, I want to share.

Hi Marja - I love that you appreciate each reader and follower. Without an audience, our words have no place to land.

Hi Rhonda - Zechariah 4:10. :)

Blessings,
Susan