Hard Fought

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Some victories are best described as hard fought, aren’t they? If we’ve lived this life for any length of time, we’ve discovered that many accomplishments, battle-wins, growth, or tasks completed don’t come easily. Much effort is required to get from point A to point B.

You might not guess it, but many of my blog posts and other writing projects fall into the hard fought category. Oh, some may come more easily than others, but if I’m honest, I’d have to say many are hard fought. Most require much effort.

For one thing, I’m a slow writer. For another, I have perfectionist tendencies. So unless an idea sparks and words tumble out as fast as I can write them down, they come out like a trickle or a drip rather than a flowing stream or bubbling brook. In fact, sometimes they’re birthed at an excruciatingly slow pace. It’s as if I’m stuck in mud. When that happens, getting pieces written is like struggling through a wrestling match. Any results are hard fought.

Other examples of hard fought victories in life abound. Sometimes learning a new skill or reaching an academic milestone takes all we have to see it through. Others engage in mighty struggles to lose weight or to quit smoking. Some reach their next wedding anniversary only by the grace of God and their non-negotiable commitment to honor their vows and protect their families. Still others fight to stay true to their faith in God when life deals them one blow after another.

I wonder if any of us today are currently faced with hard fought battles. Any wrestling matches underway? Any of us stuck in the mud? Let’s not give up. Let’s dig deep and press on. Like with my writing struggles, we may have to fight hard, but the victories will surely come. And oh, how sweet they’ll be.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

*What in your life has come or is coming with hard fought efforts?

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway is underway. Details are in my Oct. 19 post and sign-up is to the right under “Free For You.” Deadline is 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

*Flickr photo by Eric Langley, Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. Hi Cheryl,

    I like the idea of “hard fought for” — thank you. There is a neat verse in Nehemiah that grabbed my attention the last three years as I was working through some stuff, where Nehemiah yells out in army cry: ~ “Fight for your wives and your families. Our God is fighting for us!” I have loved that our God is fighting for us.

    Have a great week. Keep fighting too on your writing. I enjoy stopping by and appreciated your honesty. Have you read “The Art of Slow Writing” ? I found it so encouraging.

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • Jennifer, thanks for sharing the verse from Nehemiah (very cool!) and also thanks so much for your encouragement. Much appreciated. And no, I haven’t read “The Art of Slow Writing” — thanks for mentioning it. I will have to check it out!

  2. Oh, Cheryl, I’m so like you! I have friends who can sit down and have an article ready in 30 minutes. It takes me half a day! And now that I’m working on another book, I’m realizing AGAIN that I’m a slow writer!

    I haven’t heard of the book Jennifer mentioned. I’ll have to look that up!
    Thanks for a great reminder!

    • Vonda, now at least I feel like I’m in good company when it comes to being a slow writer! Thanks for letting me know :) By the way, I looked on Amazon for the book Jennifer mentioned, and it sounds wonderful. I think I will be ordering it before long! :)

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