We hatched baby chicks in an incubator this last month. We were only moderately successful but we all enjoyed the process of rolling the eggs and watching them peck their way out. I always feel so bad for them when they have just their beak out and are chirping but still stuck. I want to rescue them so badly! But I don’t. I let them toil and slowly make their way into the world. I’m told it makes them stronger and it seems to be true.
I think writing, for me, was much the same way. I needed people to help (like we turned the egg) and people to give me feedback (like us monitoring the temperature) but I needed to learn how to write. I had to do the hard work of teaching myself and practicing. I had to strengthen my writing muscles and realize I could do it.
Come to think of it so much of life is that way. We have to put in a lot of hard work to reap benefits. There are some things people can do for us but there are things we have to do ourselves. My experience has been that those hard endeavors have had really satisfying results when I stick with them. So whatever you are working towards that seems daunting and like it’s stretching you, step back and think of that end goal and then keep pecking away at the shell.
Hi Rachel — I delivered your mail for a few years, and last week found your book on the table at the library. I’d been wanting to read it, and did yesterday. Yes, all in under 12 hours. Well, I couldn’t put it down, except for making dinner for company. I loved it. It was an encouraging book, so full of the things that make life beautiful and real. I look forward to hearing more.
Thanks, Frost Holladay
This made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that you took the time to tell me. Thanks for delivering our mail. It’s just so fun hearing from you!!!