Thursday, August 16, 2012

Frog Kissing: Is it Worth It?

Thirty-some years ago I quit piano lessons because I would not discipline myself to practice. Now I'm a speaker, singer, and writer. This year I've spoken 14 times, and I have four more scheduled, plus two radio interviews. I usually sing during each message, so you could say I've sung that same amount of times this year.

And I write a lot.

But I still hate to practice. I must force myself to go over my message notes or songs or edit my writing.

I love the thrill of the initial creation of a message, an article, or a story. But the perfecting of it is tedious, like polishing the silver or ironing a blouse with seventeen buttons. It. Is. Work. Not fun.

Still, it must be done to have a message that speaks to the heart, a book that changes souls, a song that kisses a frog into a prince.


So, when I'm done writing and posting this, I will gather up my music and practice my songs for this Saturday, when I'm speaking and singing for a lovely group of ladies in Chicago. I think they deserve a well-polished message and kisses-filled songs.

And you? Do you like to practice, edit, polish, and iron? Or like me, must you force yourself? Is the kissing worth it?
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

6 comments:

  1. Emily M. AkinAugust 16, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    Discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

    I used to read this verse to my choir.

    ReplyDelete
  2. quietspiritAugust 16, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Even Jesus learned from discipline. "The Lord disciplines those he loves," Hebrews 12:6

    No, I don't like to have to rewrite and edit and polish what I write; but that's part of the process.Afriend of mine used to say,"It goes with the territory."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeanette LevellieAugust 16, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks, Emily and Quiet.

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeniseAugust 16, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    The kissing is worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. NancyAugust 17, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    Of course I don't like to practice or edit my writing. But I do like to iron. I love it. Now, not with all those buttons. I just love how fresh things look when ironed.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 18, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    I'm with you, Jen! I don't like editing or ironing either. In fact, I have a pile waiting for me in the guest room. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete

Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)