Happy summer greetings from Bonnie Leon

I just finished a manuscript and turned it into my publisher. The usual rush toward a deadline plus unexpected adventures from life wiped me out. I’m still trying to recover. I have a new book, Touching the Clouds, releasing, so now comes the book launch and all that it entails. I’m feeling exhausted just thinking about it. There is so much to do.

All of this reminds me of a lesson I thought I had learned a couple of years ago. My grandson, Gabe, loved Superman and we were having a “Superman Night”. We watched a new Superman Movie. Gabe was dressed in his Superman PJ’s. He sat in his Superman Chair and ate his Superman sucker.

When the movie ended, Gabe ran about our front room with his shoulders thrown back and his arms stick-straight at his sides. He wanted to show us how he could fly like Superman, and then he made sure we understood that he was the real Superman. He was extremely cute, but his game of pretend reminded me of me. Sometimes I try to live as if I’m Superman. Only I don’t look so cute.

Low and behold I’m still struggling with the Superman syndrome. As I think about it I shake my head in frustration. When am I going to get it? I can’t do everything. I’m just me, human and not super at all.

I’m the type who pushes forward, works harder, does more. There are always needs that aren’t being met. And I jump in and decide I can help. I’ve come to the conclusion, once again, that I can’t be the one who always comes to the rescue. I have been working on this, but I’ve definitely not arrived. My mind wants to say, “No,” but my mouth usually says, “Yes”.

However, I’m determined to learn a better way. The reasons? My husband Greg, son Paul, daughters Kristi and Sarah, grandchildren Corey, Ezra, Gabe and Olivia. And a list of others I love, including me. I long for lots of quality time with these precious people, to have unhurried days to create lasting memories.

Writers always face deadlines. And as much as I don’t like them, they help me do what I must.  Days are filled with research, writing and marketing. Must do’s for authors. But there is more to life than work. Sadly, too many of us dash through life, forgetting to enjoy the feast. If we hurry too much we’ll completely miss what God truly intends for us.

If we want to fulfill our calling, then we must make sure to take time to enjoy the gifts He offers—things like baseball games, birthday parties, bedtime stories and bedtime prayers, a stroll on a quiet beach, tranquil moments in the midst of God’s presence. Savoring life energizes us, refuels our imaginations and our passion for writing. Though we are only passing through this world, God means for us to enjoy it.

As I live out my days I need to remind myself . . . I’m not Superman. I can and should say, “No”, and remember that the word yes is only meant for the tasks God  has asked me to fulfill. I’m going to practice saying no. How about you? After all, there can only be one Superman.

Grace and peace to you.

www.bonnieleon.com