The First Four Months

I’ve been at this little blogging gig for just over four months now.  Spring has ended, I’ve gone to the beach – twice, my tan lines are starting to fade, and the little guy has started preschool.  The scenery outside my home office window has changed, but more importantly, I have changed.

Five months ago that collection of books wouldn’t have been assigned to my library card.  Five months ago, I nervously started posting little snippets of writing on a Facebook group page and sweating it out each time.  Coincidentally, I’ve got that same feeling in the pit of my stomach as I type these words.

I now keep a little notebook in my bag with me at all times.  It seems to have been the cure for those random flashes of inspiration one gets when there is no paper around.  When an idea does come, I get up and grab my journal or go straight to the computer to put down whatever smattering of a concept has flown through my harried head.

I may never be an accomplished writer.  My words, grammar, and punctuation might stay awkward – at best.  There may never be more than 50 or so wonderful, generous readers out there who come out of curiosity or a loving sense of obligation.  That’s okay.  I appreciate each of you and the immense kindness and encouragement that you give to me so freely.

I’ve learned that friendships can be built in comment boxes and 140 characters at a time and that inside jokes don’t require shared walls.  I’ve seen how we can support each other through loss and victory, revel in the surprise of a gift that was a wildest dream and answer to prayer.

I’ve learned that paying attention to details can lead to business contacts when you didn’t even know you needed them.  That tweets and retweets can lead to cute little blog buttons and the ability to promote someone else’s dream for a change.

I’ve learned computer code, how to use a hash tag and schedule online activity when I’ll be sleeping (hopefully).  I’ve read words that inspired me to my core, challenged my reactions to status quo and made me laugh so hard my body ached from joy.  These all happened 24” from my face.  All of this has happened on my computer screen and my smart phone.  Well, not all of it.  

Some of these avatars have leapt out at me and given me full on hugs in jeans and brave boots.    I’m counting on many more of those when I will be so blessed to hang out with a large number of you at the Allume Conference in October.  Still there are others that will require me to wait a little longer.

Whatever God wants to use this little space for is fine with me.  I may never see a penny from an affiliate link.  There may never be a corporate sponsor that would like to clothe or feed me or provide a giveaway.  That’s inconsequential to my goal.  That goal is to live a life that is glorifying to my LORD and Savior by my words and without having to say a word.  The blessings already are innumerable.

I want to thank each of you for teaching me about a new kind of community.  You’ve taught me ways to encourage and support that weren’t even on my radar.  You’ve taught me that it really is worth the effort.  For that I give you virtual hugs and high fives and sticky chocolate goodness – all with the hot beverage of your choice in your favorite comfy spot.

The next four months will bring more learning and growing.  There will inevitably be change – I hope it is for the better.  Bear with me as I stretch and reach.  Overlook the cracks, if you please.  It is definitely a Work In Progress when Amy Learns!!

Linking this up with much love and gratitude to Mary Beth at New Life Steward.