Balancing Marriage, God, and Writing

Being a writer isn't the most social attribute we can attain. Mostly, it means we are spending a lot of time alone and away from others. When we are married to someone who isn't a writer in this way, it means we can seem to be a bit selfish and hidden. If someone was married to another writer I would imagine they would have a hard time coming together from their separate writing paths. Overall, the difficulties of writing in general with the added factors of balancing a marriage/family and God can be a trying experience that can make or break a young writer.

The situation would be different if I was actually making a full-time living from writing. If this were the case then I could easily justify spending 10 hours every day writing and working on my projects online. Yet, this isn't the case, so I have to work my regular job and try to find the time to write somewhere in between.

I understand that I shouldn't spend all my time writing when it's not making me a full-time living, as there are other priorities. Making the time to study and worship God by reading the Holy Bible and praying is vital. Essentially, I can't neglect my wife and Jesus to pursue some dream of writing (or golfing, or music). So, I do understand the situation and blame no one, yet finding the balance in between can be a learning process. That's what we'll explore here.

Having the liberty to write as much as you want shouldn't be taken for granted. Maybe you've worked for it, maybe it was given to you, either way, use it to its fullest. If I just had a year to write all the material that is inside me unhindered by a day job, I likely would be making a full-time living after this. Yet, this isn't the scenario for me, and instead of complaining, I'm thankful for having the time I have. Although it may take me longer and be more difficult to reach this stage of writing success, I'll have fun trying.

The most important thing in my life is doing God's will by faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible. What I write about has a Christian perspective; my main blog is the best Christian writings I can muster. Of course, there are other subjects I find interesting, which means I'm a Christian writer with different interests in life. As long as I'm not putting those things over my love for Jesus and I'm staying consistent with my character and faith, I can explore and learn forever.

Finding a receptive audience can be challenging for me, as I'm not a normal watered-down Christian, rather I believe things that seem outright crazy to most people -- loving and seeking the truth will show you things others don't see who don't do the same. Being enlightened to the truth of Jesus Christ has helped me understand things about this world (the Holy Ghost teaching me all things); mostly, it's not a pretty picture. In fact, it's mind-blowingly wicked and would make most people scream in fear -- if they could put aside their propaganda mind-controlled thoughts and see the reality of our world. The state of the world and America is so dire, making this is another factor I have to consider in my writing endeavors. I wish I could just write about golf and blogging like a normal person, but the truth is much more interesting than lies.

I have a wonderful wife who loves me very much. She also loves Jesus very much, which is most important. We have been through thick and thin, we've been saved by grace from former lives of sin and misery. The story of our relationship is one all to itself. Suffice it to say though, we have something many people unfortunately don't, that is, an honest relationship dedicated to each other no matter what. This doesn't mean we don't bicker and fight some; for instance, this new online writing venture I discovered about 6 months ago has taken a toll on the dynamics of our relationship. During the winter it wasn't so bad, cause my lawn care business was slow. Now though, when the season is in full swing and we are both working all the time, much of my spare time goes to writing.

I spend the time I do writing because I believe it is a talent God has given me. Not that I'm a very good writer, yet he has installed in me a passion to do it from a young age. That I can express myself through writing and feel relief when a piece is finished and published gives me a joy I've been missing for years through non-internet writing doldrums. I was never much of an online person even though I'm 34 years old and the Internet has been around in basic forms since I was in my early teens in the early 90s -- my musician working-class family had antiquated communication devices like a typewriter and a dial phone with a cord, etc.

Mainly, my writing is meant to help people live a better life and come to know Jesus as their savior through saving knowledge. Yet, there are many different subjects to explore within these main goals. While these altruistic goals are meaningful, I've learned in the process that balancing God, marriage, and writing has been as hard as the writing itself -- that is the right order of priority as well.

In one form or another, I've been writing since I was 19 years old, although I wrote my first small books around 11 -- I'll continue to write as long as I can in the same manner. I've found ways to balance this new way of life for my wife and me. When I get up in the morning I read my Bible and pray with her. I don't turn on the computer and start up my morning routine; this is an important step, to not even turn on the computer until I spend time with the Lord and my wife. After this, I can turn on the computer and go through my morning routine of checking stats, emails, responding to comments, writing answers, and whatever writing I can get done according to the time available before I go to work mowing lawns.

At night time, I need to conversate with my wife, pray over our meal, and listen to a sermon, radio show, or watch a movie together. Basically, I need to give her some attention and get whatever needed errands accomplished. After she's gone to bed, then I can write and do some more work. This schedule works to keep things going, but random full days are needed to get larger projects finished.

Basically, each of us will find a system that works for us individually in a balanced manner. We have to prioritize our lives in the right way in order for it to be productive. Without Jesus and my wife, my writings would mean nothing, so I have to remember this when I want to stubbornly ignore everyone and write in my own world utill my heart is content. Everything that is worth something takes sacrifice to achieve, of course, writing is no different. That I have to work even harder to achieve success as a writer, means it will be that much sweeter when I do.

Every writer has their own unique challenges to overcome when trying to write for a living, making it vital to prioritize what is most important and to reach a balance in life with this in mind. Living a selfish life and gaining every selfish desire is a short-sided way to live and will result in the manifestation of a bad character. In conclusion, writing is a wonderful artistic endeavor that brings joy and teaches us how to integrate our dreams and passions within our practical lives; learning to prioritize and balance these different aspects of our lives helps us reach optimal productivity and satisfaction. Blessings and favor in your efforts!