by Emily Conrad
I knew launching my first book would keep me busy. Or I theorized that it might. But I think I also kind of expected things to fall into place as the event got closer. Sometimes that happens.
Unfortunately, this time, I’m scrambling a little bit. I owe a handful of people blog posts, in addition to keeping up with my own blog and coordinating the launch team. I may or may not also have a couple of other writing projects to work on, plus there are the normal family responsibilities. I probably don’t even have to confess this part, but here it is: I’ve dropped the ball a couple of times.
Somewhere in the midst of this, I got to thinking I should tweet about trying to do #allthethings.
Yes. Definitely must work that hashtag in. Very fitting. I’ll be in good company, and it’s super-accurate that, as a hashtag, there will be no spaces between the words. No spaces!
But as soon as I thought of using #allthethings, another Voice shot back, “But one thing is necessary.”
I know it’s Him because the quote is from Luke 10:42 (ESV), and I’ve blogged before about Mary and Martha and Jesus. (Here and here.)
It seems this trying to accomplish allthethings is a recurring theme with me.
Maybe it is for you, too.
Maybe you, like me, are tackling something new and trying to make it all work come together perfectly. Maybe you’re beating yourself up for your failures. Maybe your to-do list is daunting. Maybe it all seems so very important.
But, there’s hope in Jesus, even for perfectionistic overachievers.
Only one thing is necessary. Jesus.
When we are weak, He is strong. I think this is especially true when we know we’re weak, because that’s when we start asking–begging, even–for His help. I’m grateful that the mounting sense of responsibility has led me more and more often to ask Jesus to work with and through me.
Because Jesus is the one thing, the answer.
I’m learning to let go of some of the expectations I put on myself. The whole reason I started writing this post was because I thought, okay, maybe a fresh post is just not my one thing right now. Maybe I just need to share about the interview I did this weekend, and leave it at that.
Now, here we are. God richly supplied more than I expected. I’m weak, and He’s strong.
Strong enough for whatever your allthethings are, too. Spaces or not.
But if you do have space, I’d love for you to stop by Stitches Through Time for my very first interview about Justice!
Photo credits
Chair in field photo by Michael Nunes on Unsplash
Forest meadow photo by Giulio Magnifico on Unsplash
Tree photo by Sanjeevan SatheesKumar on Unsplash
Great reminder, Emily! Thanks for this encouragement that God will help be do what needs to be done and I don't really need to do allthethings allthetime. 🙂
Ha, allthetime. Very accurate! Glad the post resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by!
I can relate. I read this just after rushing around all morning trying to do all things. I managed but not without raising my stress level to crazy levels. With ten minutes to spare I found this post thru the PBG loop. Thanks for the reminder of whats truly important.
I'm grateful you found the post at just the right time! Thank you so much for taking the time to read. May God bless you today with reminders of His strength and love!
Very encouraging (and yes, I needed that!). Definitely guilty if #allthethings.
So glad you stopped by, Katie! You're in good company here 🙂
What a wonderful reminder of what truly is important–Jesus! As writers, we put a lot of importance on launch day, but it really is launch year (sorry!). I told myself to be diligent, and God would honor my labors. Don't stress over release day. Sustained momentum is what a new author needs and you have built a good track for your book train.
Emily, this was a great tap on the shoulder about what really counts amongst all the marketing madness. Thank you. May your book do really well. Cheers
It's good to go into it with the mentality that it's a launch year. And with a split release–print coming 6 months after electronic–I think it's especially true for me. Thanks for the vote of confidence about my track 🙂 Means a lot from an author I admire!
It really does feel like madness sometimes, doesn't it? Jesus is so good to tap us on the shoulder in the midst of it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Cute, Cute post Emily and so true!
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
Thanks, Pam!
Yes, I often tell myself to breathe! It's the basics during #allthethings! LOL! Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, breathe! And pray! Two things to do without ceasing 😉