Writer's block comes in many ways. Too often it is just an excuse for laziness. Other times it is a poor excuse to delay facing the truth that the creative juices have dried up. It may also reveal that writing was just a temporary relief valve during the trials we face in this thing called life. Whatever the reason, sometimes we just give up. (Am I still talking about writer's block?)
I have attempted on numerous occasions since my wife walked out of our lives to write something. But each time I did, the words, the thoughts would be dark and depressing. I have enjoyed writing for more years than I care to remember, and if the words on the page suddenly were able to depress me, I knew they were not worth sharing with you.
More than a year has passed since she decided that her life as a wife and mother was no longer appealing. The multitude of feelings I had, have since faded to little more than shadows. I discovered, by observing my children, that life marches on. Rainy days still come, (although few and far between in south Texas) bills still arrive with regularity in the mail box. Knees are stilled skinned and Homecoming mums are still needed. The number of wrinkles that appear on my face didn't increase in number or frequency and my hair still falls out at an acceptable pace. Really the only thing that changed...I can't hear her breathing in the middle of the night.
So I dusted off some old ideas and started writing again. "The Wooden Box" is my first attempt at fiction in more than thirty years. I have decided to avoid the cumbersome process of publishing on paper and will release "The Wooden Box" in e-format through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. I have enjoyed writing again and hope to have this short story finished before Thanksgiving.
Moving on. This morning I attended a bible study that was focused on Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically 1st Corinthians, chapter 7. If you are not familiar with this passage it is Paul's answer to questions the Corinthians had posed about marriage. Now the Apostle Paul is not one to sugar coat his words and this chapter is evidence of just that. As I read his words this week there were many that hit home; "A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.". "Are you married? Do not seek a divorce."
I admire the writings of Paul. I have great respect for his insights and his understanding of God's plan. His radical conversion from Saul to Paul gives hope for all. But, I don't think Paul should be giving marital advice! He probably was not married and therefore has never experienced the darker side of a woman. He never felt the pain of separation. He never anguished over the whereabouts of a missing spouse. He never knew what it was like to experience the relief of knowing a bad relationship had finally ended.
I am baring to you my feeling prior to this mornings class.
Through the grace of God I was not the teacher this morning, I was a student that was humbled by a teacher that had a clearer understanding of Paul's instructions than I. She shared with the class that Paul's instructions came from a place of pure love. Paul feared for the lives of Jews and those that followed the new Way. His guidance was to warn and prepare. Warnings that life here is temporary, the things we hold dearly to, including relationships will all one day end. Preparation to let go.
When Christ returns for His church we may be standing there holding the hand of someone that does not believe. We will have to let go for Christ wont tarry. It will hurt to do so, it will hurt to say good-bye.
If the one who holds your hand today doesn't know Christ, introduce her or him to Jesus.
Avoid the hurt.
Thanks teacher for a great lesson.
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