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This week’s Five Minute Friday writing prompt is: PERMISSION
I did not write last week for the third time in my six years hosting Five Minute Friday (with the exception of the two-week breaks I take every year over Christmas). The first time I did not write was because I had a concussion. The second time was when I was recovering from surgery. This time, it was the dreaded Coronavirus that took me out.
My husband and I have had COVID for the past couple of weeks. He is on Day 18 and I’m on Day 11, to be precise. It has not been fun. I don’t recommend it.
I am a doer by nature, so to be completely wiped out by a disease that has left me flat in bed for days without energy to even lift a book has been challenging, frustrating, and humbling.
I thought about how many emails I had not yet responded to and how far behind I was getting with work. I signed on to a work meeting one day while not feeling well, and my boss said, “Just do what you need to do to get better.”
I knew what I needed to do: REST. I knew it, but it helped to have my boss vocalize his blessing for me to take the time I needed to recover. It was as if I was waiting for someone to give me permission.
I still think about all the things I should be doing, but I’m trying not to push myself too hard. Other people who have had COVID have told me that one of the mistakes they made was to rush back into normal life too quickly, and they suffered a setback. Even without rushing, it feels a lot like two steps forward, one step back.
So I’m trying to give myself permission to do nothing, and thanking those around me for the grace to let some things fall through the cracks as I recover, knowing that whatever God wants me to do will still be there when I return.
STOP.
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Join us for this week’s five-minute freewrite on the prompt, PERMISSION, below, then visit your link-up neighbor to read their post and leave an encouraging comment:Â
So sorry to hear you’ve been ill, Kate! I hope you are able to take the rest you need to allow yourself to recover. Praying you feel better soon.
Let is go and let it heal,
learn how to enjoy your rest,
because my friend, here is the deal,
God knows that it’s for the best
to slow your pace from time to time;
the flowers blow and won’t return,
and though to strive is not a crime,
in Love He wants to help us learn
that the world will still go on
while we’re on the sidelines placed,
and we can value every dawn
with which our lives may still be graced
to savour blessings that are spread
before our sick- or dying-bed.
Blessing, prayers, and love, Kate.
Kate, We too are slowing down at the Cook house. Last week I was in the hospital, and this week our son has COVID so we’re in quarantine. Cheers to riding the roller coaster we call life! Enjoy the ride, and take breaks while we wait in line to ride again. Love, Jennifer
Yikes! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been visited by the worst fairy. I do love that you’re taking the time to rest and give yourself permission to do so. It’s amazing what God will reveal to us in trying times like this! Praying for a quick recovery with no setbacks. <3
Thank you, Ellie!
Kate, I am so sorry it is lingering. May God bring you both a full recovery soon. Praying this morning for you both.
Thank you so much, Joanne!
So sorry, Kate! May your recovery be complete and soon!
Thank you, Stephanie.
I feel you! This has been my year of giving myself permission to not do things (mostly housework 😉 ). Between COVID, reactions to vaccines, ankle injury, and surgery, my house is a mess and I’ve ceased to let it bother me. There have been beautiful spots in between all the hard–including your kind words of concern <3.
Get better Kate!!! Praying for you!!
Thank you!
Kate, I give you permission to heal and give yourself a ton of grace!
Permission Granted!!
You must get the rest you need! All those other things will get taken care of one way or the other. I pray your strength returns quickly. I’m thinking of you!💕💕
Praying for your complete healing and recovery. Rest in Him and let your soul recuperate too!
I’m so sorry you and your husband have been dealing with this, Kate!! All of the advice to rest is right on target. Please take care of yourself.
Praying that even today you are feeling better…and that you will be 100 percent soon!! God’s rich blessings to you –
Sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell, Kate. The virus is really rampant in India now and one never knows when it might hit. Do take care of yourself.
Thanks for all you do!