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Extra Time. No Motivation by Jill Kemerer

Extra Time. No Motivation

The lockdown continues. I have a deadline soon, and I’ve continued to work on my book every weekday. When it’s time to make dinner, I’m relieved to not have to be creative. But thenevening looms, and a whole different set of problems arises.

You see, I’m a lockdown failure.

Other writers make lighthearted videos to cheer people through the pandemic. They promote their books. They reach out and help others through social media.

Me? I can barely scroll through my Instagram feed without a rock growing in my chest. I should be doing more…but I’m not.

I could use my extra time sewing masks, organizing help for the community, even cleaning my own cupboards or working on a new project.

But I haven’t, and I won’t. I feel paralyzed by the unknowns. And I feel guilty for not being able to rally.

There are a few things I’m good at during this pandemic. Reading, praying for a list of people and cooking. That’s it. Three things. Reading, praying, cooking. That’s all I’ve got.

I admire all the go-getters and doers right now. The people who use their time to make life brighter, safer, better for others. Thank you. You know who you are.

God bless you.

I’m thankful we have a God who abounds in grace, because surely I need it.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves–it is the gift of God.

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She hopes to encourage readers through her books the way so many books have encouraged her. Jill's essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. Jill, sometimes you have to just Be, and maybe this is one of those times for you. I’m not on the front lines of, well, anything. I telephone people I care about, send cards and the occasional bit of money to friends who are out of work. That’s it. I’ve been extremely productive with my writing–but I haven’t cleaned out a single closet. It’s okay NOT to do stuff.
    This is our Sabbath.

    1. I appreciate your words, Kathy. And I’m glad you’ve been so productive! Honestly, I’ve been productive with work, too. It’s everything else that’s iffy! Thanks again. 🙂

  2. Jill, thank you for sharing your heart. You are not alone in feeling paralyzed by the unknowns. We worry about our family, friends, strangers and ourselves. I’m praying for this virus to be gone soon. Praying for you. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement for my writing. 🙂

  3. Hang in there, Jill! Sometimes all God asks us to do is to be still and know He is God. He knows sometimes that is all we’re capable of doing. But He also knows that the day will come when we once again feel inspired and creative and ready to conquer our little piece of the world. The cool news is He’s with us through every step of both sides of the coin. Hugs!

      1. Jill, I’m so glad to help, and to take my own advice. Totally not telling you anything I haven’t already been exploring myself. 😉

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