August 18, 2006 @ 8:26 pm | Filed under: Uncategorized

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."      

                                                                                   — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Author

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You know, today is one of those days when I wish you could buy some self-discipline in bulk at Sam’s or Costco’s, or maybe at least find it on clearance on one of those great end caps at Target.

Today is my last official day of unofficial vacation. On Monday Jordan returns to school for his Senior year, Mike resumes his travel, and I begin work on a new novel.

A part of me is longing for the familiar comfort of routine and all of its predictability. Another part of me is already internally whining about the early rising, the long hours at the computer, and the need for me to switch hats at around five. At which time I’ll prepare dinner, throw in a load of laundry, and basically make sure this family is clothed, fed, and in their right minds.

Well, at least fed and clothed…

The thing is, as much as I - a Type A personality - crave organization and balance, I also tend to balk at the self-discipline that is required to glue my rear to the chair and…W-R-I-T-E.

It’s ironic, really. I’m persuing my dream. Living it, breathing it, embracing it. And yet, at the end of the day, it still manages to convey itself as W-O-R-K.

Nothing of quality that’s worth having comes easy. Or free.

So over the course of the weekend I’ll be doing some internal inventory. Taking stock of what’s on the shelves of my heart, mind and soul. Coming to terms with what’s still good, and what can stand to be tossed.

Hopefully, since I’m a hoarder by nature, I’ll be sensitive to God’s voice and heed his direction to clean out the clutter. It’s time to buckle down and get some work done.

Don’t you think it’d be easier if you could take care of all this at Target…?