I love to blog. I love to read other blogs. The whole blogging world is amazing to me. I've often thought about the loneliness of being a stay-at-home mom and have experienced my fair share of lonely days. Blogging allows us to "meet" other people who feel as we do, think as we think, have the same desires and struggles...It also opens up new worlds for us as we run across people who are our polar opposites. Sometimes I've been disgusted by what I've found out there. More often though, I've just realized how very tiny my thinking and my world is.
I've hardly thought about this blog all summer. I put it "away" with our school books. I want to write and share thoughts and ideas and my faith with others, but have really struggled all summer with the feeling that I'm not very articulate. My heart is full but I just can't seem to get those things onto "paper" as clearly as I'd like to. As I've spent time reading other blogs this summer that feeling has only grown. There are so many people out there who are deeper than I am. Wiser. More precise. They can share their feelings and faith in ways that I can only dream of. No, I don't think I'm having a pity party...I've just been wondering why I'm "here" in space. Should Midsummer Meanderings continue? (Please don't answer that question. I'm just babbling to myself!) There are so many other people who can say what I'd like to say-it seems like they can take the words right out of my mouth, perfect them and then blog them.
Anyway-while I'm pondering the future of this blog, I thought I'd share some links with you. I found all of these this morning. After you read them, I'd love to hear your thoughts on any or all of them!
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2008/05/about-business-of-men.html
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=163504
http://www.yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/ scroll down to the post called: "Have It Your Way".
http://www.djournal.com/pages/archive.asp?ID=274594
Hi Mom -
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good day?
I love you,
Ben
I feel like this all the time. There are so many bloggers who are more with it than me in so many ways. Just thinking here-- there are probably a lot of wives and mothers who are more with it than I am too. But God's called me to wife and mother my husband and son, so I can't just up and quit because someone's better or more experienced with their husband/children. Of course, I wouldn't put blogging up there with caring for our families, but if it's something God has called us to (I'm not saying it is or isn't for either one of us-- just saying), then we should probably stick with it. Not everyone can read all blogs. Maybe someone reads yours who benefits from your wisdom and humility. Regardless of how much others enjoy your blog, if you pray about it and it's a burden and not enjoyable to you-- quit! Or, don't burden yourself with posting every week (or whatever). Just let your blog be whatever it is. I, for one, think it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have the same feelings when I look at other's scrapbook pages. Why can't I journal like they do? I can never find the words. I can't express myself on paper. All that time and effort and I just feel a little empty in the end. *sigh* I enjoy reading your blog, Jude. You're making a difference and inspiring others!!!
ReplyDeleteThe blogosphere is cool, isn't it? I find it such a great outlet for the thoughts that whirl inside my mind.
ReplyDeleteOr a depressing reminder of how few people actually care that I exist. Depends on those mezmerizing blog stats. Ha!
My two cents: your blog has enriched my days and has been great smile material, great thinking material, and great reading material for when I'm eating my apple pie ice cream. It has both encouraged and challenged me in my walk with the Lord.
That said, don't think that no one cares about your meanderings or that your posts are inferior in light other bloggers' prowess. Hey, if you (or I) had it all together with our words, everybody else would feel bad, right? We're just helping them feel better. :)
However, like Rachel wisely stated, if it's burdensome or if it distracts you, it's your choice to set it aside.
Whatever you choose, thanks for the great posts!
Alex
P.S. Have you been to my blog? If you need something to read so you can pretend you are edifying yourself while munching Dove chocolates, stop on by! The link is there if you click on my name.
If you stop blogging, I get to use the cool blog header I created for you. Sure, it will be weird that a man who goes by the name, "Big Doofus" thinks that he's a "Mom in Midlife Crisis" but I'm sure it will bring more people to my site--and that's what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, you need to stop this now (not the blog--the doubting). Your blog is sincere and inspiring for moms, moms-to-be, and even big doofuses like me.
Hey Blogging Buddy! There's no one like you in all the world. God has given you your life experiences and the gift of sharing your heart with humility. Be encouraged. Many....like me.....benefit from your wisdom and your meandering mind. I know I put added pressure on myself at times. So, from one blogger to another.....stop it! No more pressure. Just enjoy the experiences and meanderings that God gives you! And if it's something you feel like sharing on your blog....there are many of us who will stop by to read about it!
ReplyDeleteI know I am a horrible "lurker" and don't leave as many comments as maybe would be nice . . . but I always really enjoy reading your blog and I would love for it to continue. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeletewith love from Jill
If blogging hasn't mastered you as it has some (and it sounds like it has not because you "put it away") then you should continue! You never know who you're going to impact with your transparency.
ReplyDeleteI think you're a delightful writer too. You know what helped me? Spaces. I started keeping my thoughts and paragraphs short--like I was speaking--and thereby added to the readability of my posts with "white space." I'm sure it's easier for others to follow, but it helped me with my own thoughts as well.