Remember those “word association” games?
When someone says a word and you say the first thing that comes into your mind.
For example, if I say “peanut butter.”
You’d probably say, “jelly.” (Unless you’re British or South African, in which case you’d probably say jam. Or, unless you’re my husband, and then you’d probably say “bacon,” which is really a whole other, much more disgusting post).
Mmm’kay, so you remember the rules?
‘Cause I’ve got a doozie for you.
Are you ready? Here we go. Without thinking first or hesitating or self-censoring, tell me what’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say:
“Followers”
or
“Traffic”
or
“Published”
or
“Conference”
Kudos to you if these didn’t trigger any of the following words:
“Twitter”
or
“Blog stats”
or
“From Blog to Book”
or
“Blissdom”
The reason I’m curious is that I’ve been thinking a lot about these words the last couple of weeks. And I’ve discovered that sometimes I pull them out, tape measure like, to see how I’m doing.
I stand back-to-back with these words and they tower over me. I peer up at them and doubt I will ever be able to climb high enough to enjoy their view. Furthermore, I imagine space is limited at the top, the ledge precarious, and the lookout reserved only for those who speak html.
Fortunately, at this point in my metaphor I crack myself up as I start to imagine a Tolkien like universe where all mommy bloggers break into Elvish-sounding-html while practicing the ancient art of coding a website. That’s when I realize I really need to get out more. But since the kitchen needs to be cleaned and there’s a two-year-old who wants to party like its 1984, I turn up the radio and blast one of my all time favorite songs: Audio Adrenaline’s Big House.
We dance around the house – he in Elmo pajamas and me in my “comfy clothes” and fuzzy green clover socks – belting out the words and embracing a new perspective on fitting in:
Come and go with me
To my Father’s house
Come and go with me
To my Father’s house.
It’s a big, big house
With lots and lots of room
A big, big table
With lots and lots of food
A big, big yard
Where we can play football
A big, big house
It’s my Father’s house.
And just like that, I’m cured. Because I remember a simple truth – there is always, always room for one more in God’s house. His Kingdom is big and full of more meaningful work than I can imagine.
Where one succeeds opportunities are not eaten up, instead they are multiplied.
There is enough work for everyone interested in being part of it.
One writer’s success is simply another’s confirmation to join the party.
We are all necessary. More than that, we are all invited.
Now, how’s that for word association!
You are stinkin’ cute, girl. Stinkin’ cute!
This is such a sweet reminder that all of us and our words are valuable (even if I feel that mine are akin to 3-for-a-dollar chocolate next to your Godiva ones)!!
Love you!
So, I’m senseing that your word association is “chocolate”? Girlfriend, you crack me up! Don’t you know that chocolate is chocolate is chocolate – it’s ALL SO GOOD!
Yes, ma’am! I surely luuuv me some good chocolate. And Godiva DOES taste better than some of that waxy cheap stuff they sell!
Just the same, I know that no one person can reach everyone. We are all called to make Him famous in our circle of influence! There is room for everyone!
PS I love that song, too! :)
I’m standing on the table and shouting “AMEN!”
Not literally, of course. Figuratively.
But in my head it’s going down literally – followed by some snorting! ;) Thank you so much for the warm words. I love me a big house and lots of great company!
Oh, I’m with you on the whole traffic/followers/published thing. I’ve been trying to blog about that strange envy-greed thing that happens to me for probably as long as I’ve been blogging, and I still haven’t been able to finish that post. Um, coming on three years now. So congratulations. :) And you’re right – it is a big house, and there’s not only room for all of us, there’s a place for all of us. I love it.
Also? Love that Audio Adrenaline song, it sure takes me back.
So true … thank you! It’s so hard not to use that measuring tape … for me, I’ve learned that I need lots of real accountability from others (in real life!) and to remember WHY I write … not for a book contract (though I’d LOVE it!) or for a massive following … but because the Lord has given me a longing to share His love beyond my house and blogging is just one more way I do that. I am doing what I’ve always done … sharing what the Lord is teaching me and what He’s done for me with the people He’s placed in my path. It has just worked out that part of that path is paved in html.
“paved in html” – Oh, I just love that! Too funny. And friend, no one who has watched your precious “About Me” video could miss the fact that your heart is bursting with the gift of loving on others!
Needed that more than you could know :-)
Gypsymama, I think I like you! :) Thanks for the encouraging words!
Hey Lisa-Jo.
Your blog is like medicine :) I logged on needing an encouraging perspective-shifting nugget (a fix I know I’m always guarenteed here) and this was perfect. Thanks so much my cuz. Come here soon so I can hug you in person and not just across the screen.
Huge love, h
I always know I’m going to read something awesome when I come here! Perfect timing. I have quit even checking sitemeter, mostly because I see how many people have clicked on my blog, and then I have like 2 comments, after I poured my heart out into my post. But if God is prompting me to write something, I need to do it for Him, not for stats. Thanks for your reminder as to what it’s all about. I’m glad His house is big enough for all of us!
Thanks for the lift. We need to put away the yardsticks, the measuring tape, the analytics… and just ask our Dad what He thinks of us.
Seriously. I heart you. Thank you so much for posting this. I totally snorted at the elvish sounding html chanting. Ha! It’s not about statistics, or feedback, or groupies, and amazingly enough we can apply this to our “real life” situations too. We don’t need the affirmation of human man – we need to relish, and delight, and roll around giddily in the abundance of grace, mercy, and JOY we’re affirmed daily in through Christ Jesus. Amen, gypsy Mama, amen! Pass the offering plate! ;)
OK, you were officially my favorite comment today. You made me laugh and smile and think and want to hop, skip, and jump all at the same time! Thanks LeAnna!
“Where one succeeds opportunities are not eaten up, instead they are multiplied.
There is enough work for everyone interested in being part of it.”
What great, fresh, (and much needed) perspective. Love it. I say we blast Big House and dance around when I come visit. Sounds like the perfect therapy for writerly fear and insecurity.
Thank you for posting this. It was a great reminder. I read this a few days ago and since have been singing this song with my two year old and he loves it!
Wow, you went on the way-back machine with “Big House.” Every so often (emphasis on the every), I pull out the AA, old Newsboys and D.C. Talk and remind myself of my glory days in high school.
And something tells me that we have the same word association for conference…
Gypsymama,
God has truly gifted you! I first visited your sight last night via another link. I am glad that God allowed me to find you. I have read through your category “calling” and I have been inspired to believe again. The Father has allowed your words to minister to me as if you were my experienced big sister from whom I can glean great insight and wisdom, mainly because you have spent time with our Father and have taken on many of his characteristics. I have never left a message on a blog before but I just wanted to encourage you to continue in your calling!
Be blessed my sister!
This is right on the money!
Thank you for sharing your heart and your voice so eloquently and openly.
Love me some AA tunes. =)
Love to you!
I know, aren’t they the best?!! My kids can really rock out to them. Makes me feel old. And happy. ;)