It was bound to happen eventually. I’ve only been blogging for a few months now, so I don’t really have much experience to go on. But I think I can say with some certainty that the blogging honeymoon is over.
Blogging, like so many other things in life, was so fascinating and exciting when it was new to me. Every view was cherished, every comment celebrated. Some days I would check the blog first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. It’s the truth; I think I became just a tiny bit obsessed! Maybe, just maybe, I even made an idol of it, to my shame.
I do that, though. I throw myself into new things with such enthusiasm, such big plans and dreams. And then somewhere along the line, it stops being quite so much fun and starts to feel more like work, like just another burden to carry.
Some of you might be thinking, but it’s just a blog! To a certain extent, you’d be correct. It doesn’t feel like “just” a blog to me, though. It feels like part of me that I’ve put on display for the world to see. And there are these nifty little graphs that measure that part of me day by day by day… And some days they just don’t measure up to what I’d like to see. No matter how high they reach, there seems to be this desire for more. And the inspiration isn’t always there. And busy schedules get in the way.
And sometimes…
I just want to give up.
Let’s be honest. It happens to all of us! When that new baby comes home smelling so sweet, and everyone is exclaiming “how perfect”…when that new job is so exciting that you just can’t wait to go to work, and people tell you how happy they are to have you there…when that new ministry that you’ve been planning for and dreaming of finally comes to fruition…when you make that purchase that you’ve been saving up for and it’s just. so. cool….when that mountaintop experience leads you to a faith high that just can’t be matched.
Inevitably, a valley follows that mountain. That perfect baby that slept so well in the hospital cries all night long, night after night after night. That new job has its own set of challenges. That new ministry has flaws, too. That new purchase grows old or outdated. Thus the mountain gives way to a valley. And those feelings that had us on cloud nine in the mountains leave us, and we wish for more.
But our spiritual lives are not lived just on the mountain tops. In fact, those mountain tops most likely add up to a very small part of our faith journey. The truth is that the valleys often naturally follow the mountains , not because anything has changed but because our physiology is built that way. Our bodies cannot sustain a constant state of “high,” so we must experience a “low” to bring us back to equilibrium. And perhaps even more because we were not meant for this imperfect world, so we yearn for something better.
While I know that my faith isn’t built on feelings, as a woman emotions do come into play! How often I’ve wished those pesky emotions away even though I know they serve a purpose. 🙂
So what’s a girl to do when she just gets a case of the blahs and the blogging honeymoon seems to be over? She recognizes the valley for what it is – temporary. She remembers that she is not a citizen of this world. She blogs anyways because that’s what God led her to do, just like she mothers anyways, she loves anyways, she trusts anyways, she clings to His promises anyways, she speaks truth anyways, she leads anyways, and she hopes anyways.
She keeps seeking. Sometimes she even stumbles and falls, and she’s so ashamed of her weakness. But He’s right there to help her back up again. Along the way, she learns a little more of the unfathomable depth of God’s grace. She grows a little more confident in an overwhelming, unconditional love. She grows a little more confident in His timely provision. She grows a little more confident in the work He’s doing within her.
Because He promised that one day, one glorious day, that work would be complete.
And the valleys will be gone.
And the mountain top lasts for all eternity.
And we see His face.
So we wait, like so many others before us.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance
and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility
by sinners against Himself,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
And we don’t lose heart.
Jen 🙂
Yes, yes, yes. It’s hard when we hit the proverbial wall. Trust God – ask Him for renewed energy, or vision. And remember that your efforts are not in vain. Praying with you!
I think so often when I hit those walls, it’s because I’m not leaning on Him. I’m trying to walk on my own. 🙂 So I just need a little reminder now and then that I can’t do it on my own. Thanks for praying!
Jen 🙂
I love your beautiful, raw honesty in this post. I with you on this….and I know so many other Christian bloggers who can relate. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. I will be passing this on to a couple of my friends who I know need to read this.
Praying for you!
Thanks, Kelsey! It’s always good to know we are not alone. I really hate it when the “blahs” come to visit, but I know there is purpose in them, even if nothing more than to draw me near to the Father!
Jen 🙂
I don’t think there is one blogger who does not feel like this quite a few times! So we all understand what you are going through. Just remember you must in the first place blog for yourself and take little blogging vacations in between! You can even ask other to do a guest post for you when you want to make the load a lit lighter now and again. And most important; ask your Pappa God what He feels you should do! Thinking of you and praying!
Lots of love XX
Mia
Jen, Your honest is so wonderful, and we have all been there with so many things in life. We don’t always see the fruit, but we can be sure it is there. I know, because I was feeling so down the last couple of weeks and God fed me day by day, as if He was saying, “Keep going, I am with you on this.” Pray for perseverance and don’t let the devil take away your will. Kim
Yes, He does feed us day by day, doesn’t He?! 🙂 And the last week or two I just feel Him saying, “I’m still here. Don’t despair.” He’s always waiting on us, and I’m so thankful for that!
Jen 🙂
This paragraph speaks to me so well – “So what’s a girl to do when she just gets a case of the blahs and the blogging honeymoon seems to be over? She recognizes the valley for what it is – temporary. She remembers that she is not a citizen of this world. She blogs anyways because that’s what God led her to do, just like she mothers anyways, she loves anyways, she trusts anyways, she clings to His promises anyways, she speaks truth anyways, she leads anyways, and she hopes anyways.”
I have only just started out on my own blogging journey, so I believe I am still in the ‘honeymoon’ phase, but I am only weeks away from delivering my second child, and I know that valley is coming. I feel a little crazy for having started a blog at such an interesting/crazy time of my life, but it’s something I feel called to do, because I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. When my baby boy arrives, and I’m learning how to be a Mom all over again, when blogging becomes a chore, I will come back to this post and the scripture you chose… I will find a way to blog anyway. So perfect.
Wow, sister, you have my respect! 🙂 But I’m sure so many other moms out there will appreciate what you’ll have to blog about in the midst of all that craziness. I’ll be praying for your upcoming valley, that it will be shallow and brief. 🙂
Jen 🙂
So what’s a girl to do when she just gets a case of the blahs and the blogging honeymoon seems to be over? She recognizes the valley for what it is – temporary. She remembers that she is not a citizen of this world. She blogs anyways because that’s what God led her to do, just like she mothers anyways, she loves anyways, she trusts anyways, she clings to His promises anyways, she speaks truth anyways, she leads anyways, and she hopes anyways.
I have been here, too, Jen. So just push through and keep on keeping on. And when we finally learn to do it all for Him — even if NO ONE EVER COMMENTS — it takes on a whole new life of joyful mystery and satisfaction…”What does He want me to write about today?” “Lord, may my words please YOU and help others…”
Blessings to you, my fellow blogging sista!
Yes, I want my words to please Him, to bring glory to His name alone! Most days I really don’t care about the “numbers,” but some days I do. Usually those are the days that I’m already struggling in my walk. 🙂 I’m so thankful for His promise not to give up, but to continue to carry out that work in us! Thanks for the encouragement!
Jen 🙂
thanks for the lovely reminder, it is a must know for any blogger!
Thank you, Sarah! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who struggles with this.
Jen 🙂
I love this post Jen! God doesn’t waste anything in our life and He has promised to conform us so we are in His hands always! even when we don’t feel like it! ha ha! Thanks for the inspiration!
God doesn’t waste anything in our life – I love that. 🙂
Such wisdom in these words, Jen!
Thanks, Angie. I always appreciate your encouragement!
Jen 🙂
Hi Jen! I am coming to you from Into the Word Wednesday.
We keep meeting, don’t we? LOL!
Oh yes, I completely agree with you. I wrote somewhere that writing is like taking your clothes off, and running through the store. And you hope people look! Its a funny business, isn’t it?
I think it’s time I started ‘following’ you. I enjoy meeting you on these bloghops!
Ceil
Haha, Ceil, I love your analogy! 🙂 I’m glad we met again here.
Jen 🙂
What a great post and a wonderful reminder. Thanks for your visit today! Hope you have a great week!
Lisa, thanks for returning the visit. 🙂 I hope your week goes well, also!
Jen 🙂
I too have recently started this blog journey and agree totally with the mountains and valleys. Thank you for sharing your heart! Visiting from Rachel Wojo 🙂
Ah, a fellow newbie! As much as I dislike a valley, I’m really enjoying this blogging journey. As much as I hoped to encourage others, the Lord has really taught me and encouraged me instead. I wasn’t expecting that, but it’s a beautiful benefit. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone!
Jen 🙂
Thanks for linking up, Girl. Don’t give up. Get up-keep going. And thanks for linking up!
Rachel, thank you for your encouragement. I’m not giving up. I know He has purpose for me even in the valleys. And this week is vacation, which comes at the perfect time! 🙂 We’re hoping to come back totally refreshed!
Jen 🙂
Oh, Jen – wonderfully put. Thank you.
And Amen.
Thank you for taking the time to leave me some encouragement!
Jen 🙂
What en encouraging post, Jen! Thanks for stopping in at Doorkeeper, because that act of kindness drew my attention to these strengthening words. Love the graphic. Blessings!
Love, love, LOVE this!! It is like you read every other blogger’s mind and wrote what they felt at one time or another! How insightful you are and I love the honesty and raw vulnerability. It’s no wonder you’ve had so many responses to this one…it touches all of us to the core. Thanks for being bold enough to write what we feel. I am your newest follower and appreciate you visiting me over at The Narrow Lens. Loved your perspective on my post “Are You Running on Empty.” So glad you took time to share your thoughts. 🙂 Blessings to you and yours!
What wonderful encouragement, Kimberly. Thank you!
Jen 🙂
Dear Jen
Your words are filled with wisdom, dear friend. I just love that verse from Hebrews where Jesus sat down at the right Hand of God. In the Old Covenant the High Priest was never allowed to sit in the Holly of Hollies, because he had to bring the sacrifices over and over again. When our Lord brought His blood to our God, it was once and for all; a sacrifice never to be repeated and He sat down at the place of honor at His Father’s right Hand. Remember that any work, you must allow yourself a blogging holiday to once in a while.
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia, our ladies’ bible study has been working through Hebrews and I’m gaining so much from it – but particularly that thought that when Jesus uttered, “It is finished!”, it was true! I find myself brought back to that truth time and time again. Thanks for encouraging me!
Jen 🙂