Unfolding Story

“Don’t miss out on something that could be great 
just because it could also be difficult.”

Isn’t it funny how sometimes pursuing our passions is hard?
Because the world is shouting so many things at us… success, popularity, approval of people. Sometimes our passions don’t match up with these demands and so we are tempted to snuff them out, even though they are the very things we love.
That’s been my story for the past few years.

If you’re reading these words, maybe you’ve noticed that there’s a change over here on this little corner of my life, once again. Bless all you peeps who have stuck with me through all these switches.
I almost cringed when I started thinking about renaming my blog AGAIN . After 5 years, I’ve had 4 name changes on this blog. All with different web addresses, makeshift logos, and numerous excuses of “I needed a fresh start”.

But I knew I needed more of an established change this time, so I did it and with a goofy kinda smile on my face. Because looking back on all those variations of my space here, I see it was all a process of finding my voice; finding out who I was as a writer, and what my purpose here with words really was.

I started this blog in 2013 as a simple place to “write my thoughts” but, in reality, I secretly wanted it to take off. I wanted the followers, the comments, the pomp and circumstance. Deep down I wasn’t content for it to be a quiet little corner to share my reflections.

I wanted a cute and catchy blog name, and I was a little insecure about using my own name as the face of this blog. It was too boring and run-of-the-mill.

I felt insecure about my writing so often, too often that I let this place become like an abandoned old house, people always left wondering if anyone lived there.

To be honest this blog, with all it’s maturing, adjustments and unsettledness over the years, it never really felt like home to me. Until now.
I definitely haven’t arrived at some revelation of myself that inspires me to do better here. The truth is that the Lord has grown me, opened my eyes a little to see the beauty and simplicity of following His directions faithfully, even when I have no idea where they’re leading. He’s secured me more in what my purpose is, He’s quietly encouraged me to pursue this gift of words, even if it’s never noticed or gets recognition.

In a sense, with all these changes, I’m going back to the basics of why I’m here on this blog. It’s been so refreshing to head back to the drawing board and evaluate what I love, fully bear hugging it.
As a writer, my love for stories is rekindled every day. As a photographer, I see the world through a unique eye. As a calligrapher, my pen is aching to flow creatively. This is why I’m here.

Days zip by into years, and I love looking back at how my passions have changed. Or maybe they haven’t changed, maybe they’ve just unfolded more for me to see.  So, here I am, relying every day on HIS grace and the knowledge that my Lord not only sees but has also authored all the chapters of my imperfect, ever changing, unfolding story.

Thanks for joining me on this twist-and-turn-filled journey.
Do you like these new blog changes, what would you love to see more of?

A B B Y

 

// The encouragement for these changes and for writing this post came from listening to Emily P. Freeman’s podcast and the Hope Writer’s podcast  . Amazing people with timely words. Thank you for giving me renewed vigor to pursue my gifts.