Today I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five-Minute Friday. So, grab a timer, set it for five minutes, and join me!
The rules: Write for five minutes. No editing, revising, overthinking, or backtracking. Just write. Then leave some comment love for the person who linked up before you…and anyone else because that’s the fun and the heart of the community!
Today’s prompt: Nothing
I was up early this morning.
We didn’t have to be anywhere until 10:30 and I’d already squeezed two workouts into yesterday. It was truly a morning off, and I wanted to write.
I made the coffee, I gave myself some time to wake up, I read a few verses. And then I sat down, hoping the words might flow.
There were a few attempts, but it soon became clear that it wasn’t the morning for writing.
I had nothing.
And so I poured a cup of coffee and wandered to the back porch with my laptop, hoping for some inspiration. Even the cool, perfect morning (and the equally perfect caffeine) 😉 just didn’t do it.
Nothing. No inspiration.
Friends, it’s been a dry season…and it’s been pretty quiet around here, too. I can’t quite explain it or even understand why the words just aren’t there. There have been times it’s been frustrating, and other times it’s been a relief.
But mostly…well, mostly I just wish I could write.
I miss it. A lot.
And sometimes I feel like nothing when I can’t get the words out.
I know the truth…and so I tell it to myself over and over…that though it feels like there’s nothing, it’s a great big something. It’s just that my something looks much different.
And so I embrace it the best I know how…
…in a park date with my daughter, flower planting with a sweet friend, a mug of coffee on a perfect (if wordless!) morning, a visit from Indo friends, even sunshine and a bit of a sunburn.
None of those are nothing…in fact they are pretty incredible somethings.
And I’m whispering thanks…because He is good.
And because I know that someday the words will be back, too. 
Sounds like you had words enough for today.
Good job.
Hugs,
Melinda
(visiting from FMF)
Thanks, friend! Blessings.
Looks like the words are well on their way to coming back.
Never underestimate how beautiful it is to simply be held by His grip of grace.
Thanks for sharing your transparencies!
You are sweet…thank you so much for your encouragement, Rebecca! (((hugs)))
Hi Mel,
Just dropping in from the FMF linkup. I am so feeling you on the disappearing/missing words. I, too, make time for the writing. Yet when I sit down, nothing comes out. Nothing happens. I am grateful for the different somethings. What God has for us, even in a dry spell, is never nothing.
Blessings!
I love that reminder…He always has something for us.
Thank you, friend! Happy Friday to you!
I loved reading this, Mel. You seemed to hit the nail on the head for me. I feel as though I’ve just gotten started with being able to share my words publicly and, with that, they just don’t seem to come as easily. But I’m relishing in all of the somethings that I have in my life right now because there are many. Truly enjoyed this post!
~Jennifer
Oh, those wordless days that feel like nothing…they can be so rough. It helps me to count the gifts…because there are so many! Thank you for stopping by today, Jennifer…happy Friday!
For a post about nothing you sure said a lot. I believe you first have to live before you write. For now you are in a living time and I know it will bring a writing time soon. When that time come He will give you the words He needs you to say and we need to hear. Until then I pray you enjoy each minute just living.
Living before writing. YES. Thank you, sweet friend…love seeing your smile here today. (And I LOVE the new headshot…gorgeous!) Happy Friday!
These are some good words, friend! Glad that you can see God working even in the quiet. Look forward to reading more of your words soon. Happy weekend!
Thank you, sweet Holly! Have a wonderful weekend!
(((hugs)))
And yet, you have written something of substance that speaks deep to any of us who’ve ever sat at a screen, staring blankly.
Which means you’ve touched us, each and every one.
Thank you, Mel …
Thank you, Linda…love seeing you here today! Blessings and happy Friday!
Sometimes what you think is nothing…is a whole lot of great! Like this post. I can tell you are a good writer… I could hear your heart and can relate. Thanks for linking up. Happy Friday!
You are so sweet, Karen…thank you for leaving some love today! Have a beautiful weekend.
Mel, i was so glad to read something from you today
it surely wasn’t nothing. I do miss reading your heart…you are just simmering on life’s stove top….all the flavors and spices of life are mingling…and pretty soon it will come back boiling over….i’m glad I saw your face on the link up.
Somer!!! Oh, it made me smile so big to see your comment pop up. Thank you for the sweet words and encouragement.
I hope you’re doing well…hopping over to your space to catch up now! Love to you…have a wonderful weekend. 
Mel,
What a beautiful post of substance — definitely not “nothing”!
I am praying right now, that during this “dry” season where the words won’t come — that He will give you an extra measure of awareness of His movement in your life.
I ask Him that if He has stilled your “lips” (which are so ready to serve Him), that He will open wider your eyes — just as a gift. Because He loves you that much.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for that sweet prayer…He is truly teaching me that a lack of words is not a lack of life. I’m just praying He’ll help me live this in-between time in the best possible way! Blessings to you, Elise…thanks so much for being here!
I love how we are able to enjoy these seasons, even when they are nothing like we thought they might be.
It’s a (slow!) lesson He’s teaching me…I’m thankful for that. Thanks for stopping by today, friend!
Oh, my, I have days like this. Or rather, seasons! But I’m thankful for the moments when words do form and the stories make their way onto the pages.
It helps to know I’m definitely not alone!
Trying to embrace this season and enjoy the times when the words aren’t there. It’s still a gift. Thanks so much for being here!
Nothing to write is okay. Perhaps this is your season for Him to speak to you, and not for you to speak to others. We get caught up with the should versus the cans. It is okay to break. It is okay to have nothing. Praying for you dear friend for Him to fill you with love and eventually the words will come. Read His Word for now…that is enough. Also, perhaps you can read others’ blogs and find ways to encourage them. It is in this encouraging and reading that sometimes the Holy Spirit flows back into our hearts, minds, and lives. Love to you friend!
Jenn
Thankful for your prayers, friend…hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.
Blessings!
Okay…I’ve read through the comments and it’s already been said. You sure sound like you’re writing about something to me. Something real and important and true. And yes, you said it too…there’s a whole lot of something, lots of blessings going on for a life that seems empty because the words aren’t coming. Such a powerful reminder, Mel! I always seem to want the one thing I can’t have or don’t have for the moment. Ya know? Oh Lord help me to live this day in the fullness of what you have for me, for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen! On a practical level, I know you have much to say…and I believe God wants you to say it. Sometimes though it’s a waiting, marinating time. This might speak to you as it did me…http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/learn-to-love-your-story/
Love you!
I love that…thank you so much, friend.
Sending hugs and prayers for you today…thank you for being such a sweet blessing in my life. Love you!