I attended a writing conference this past weekend. Information was on overload. My brain tried to absorb as much as it’s spongy mass could hold. By the end of the conference it was saturated. I was torn between, “OOh I did that right!” and “Ugh, I totally messed that up!”
Apart from the writing aspect, there were other lessons on the table to be picked up, examined and memorized. Here are a few of them that I found especially compelling:
1. For many of us, our calling whispered to us at a young age.
2. We will one day have to answer for how we used our gift. Are we hiding it away, thinking we’re not good enough? If we are using it, are we spending it wisely?
3. People who have succeeded at their craft but have not bought into their success are refreshing to be around. They teach us so much.
4. Having all your meals prepared for three days and not having to think about picky eaters is equal to taking a week long vacation. This is truth. Believe it.
5. Handing out business cards is as thrilling as I always thought it would be. You can think I’m lame but if you’ve worked at home and the only business “cards” you ever handled were dirty diapers, dirty tissues or a gross sippy cup, then you totally understand what I’m talking about.
6. There are some business cards that are pure gold to the receiver. They remind me of the tickets that Nigel and Mary on the show, So You Think You Can Dance, hand to the dancers if they make it to the final auditions. It’s a ticket to possibility.
7. “Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you’re not enough without one, you’ll never be enough with one.” Mark Buchanan highlighted this quote from the movie, Cool Runnings.
8. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be quite exhilarating.
9. Driving alone in silence with the wind blowing through the windows is restful.
10. Who knew that one could meet so many pastors’ wives at a writing conference!