Un-Whined as a Writer by Tina Yeager

Un-Whined as a Writer

by Tina Yeager

 

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky”

(Philippians 2:14-15, NIV).

 

Several family members ventured with me into the mountain forest in search of a waterfall The fittest among us sprang up the path with enthusiasm. Two members of our party had explored this path years ago and offered cheerful encouragement to the others. One person wore an uninspired expression but otherwise held any discontent in silence. The trailing hiker shared their struggle over every yard of earth, pouring out liberal servings of complaints the entire way.

Someone recommended bringing a “whine” bottle for the next hike and requiring all complaints to remain corked in the parking lot. The lagging member of our group took this criticism with a good sense of humor. Despite their fatigue, they highlighted joy in the journey from that point onward. Our experience improved long before we heard signs of the cascade waiting to reward us.

How we conduct ourselves on the journey matters. Our disposition affects how we experience the Creator. We can also inspire or spoil the adventure for others who hike alongside us.

I’ve poured out copious libations of “whine” over my trail as a writer. I bemoaned my long wait for publication. Book in hand, I whined about marketing. Sales numbers, platform struggles, and many other issues triggered my flesh nature’s default setting of complaint.

The Holy Spirit and my fellow writers’ encouragement remind me to cork my negativity. When I choose to focus on the Son streaming through the situation, I see infinite joy on my journey. The Lord planted fantastic blessings along this path. Singing praise for his love and grace changes my experience even when my feet struggle with the steep trail. I might not see any sign of the results yet, but his presence rewards me every moment.

As with my family hike, our preparation helps us endure the challenges. Spiritual fitness routines equip me to respond better when setbacks occur. Prayer, worship, and scripture study ready my heart to overcome those tough stretches in my writing path.

When I serve this calling from a grateful heart, I enjoy more opportunities to lift my fellow writers. May the Lord guide me to inspire a mountainside of “un-whined” writers.

 

Lord, thank you for the spiritual fitness tools you provide with prayer, scripture, and fellowship. Please continue to shape me as a messenger and encourager of others. May your Spirit guide me to remain focused on your blessings. Let us enjoy every step of our adventure from this day onward. Amen.

 

Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. She serves on the marketing team for STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show and as Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International. Look for her books, Beautiful Warrior (Iron Stream Media) and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision Books). To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.