“Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 NLT

So let your words be few.

I’ve been thinking about that this summer as my words have ebbed and I have so little to say. I don’t think it’s bad, though sometimes I panic a bit at the thought of it. I’ve always had thousands of words to write, to say.

But God has me in the season of falling back, retreating, and re-evaluating everything. I’ve gone on a simplicity/minimalist spree (rampage?) in my home. I have empty cabinets, which makes me exceedingly happy. The folks at Half Priced Books nearly know me by name by all the donations. Same with our local thrift store. My closet is bare-ish, and my clothing is pared way down.

I love it.

I feel like I have space.

In my career I also have minimalized. I’m not actively pursuing a book right now (rare for me as I’ve written nearly three books a year for the past decade.) I’ve paused my podcast. I’ve grown weary of marketing. I walked away from several opportunities.

So here I sit.

And pray.

And ask God to show me where He is working so I can prayerfully consider joining Him. Even so, I’m trying not to be crazy. I’m trying to work on the soil of my life so that I produce lasting fruit.

My friend said this:

“There is a difference between leafiness and fruitfulness.” Tracy Higley

I think I’ve been awfully leafy these past several years. And even if there was fruit, I was too busy to see it, to thank God for producing it, or enjoy it. Last summer I was *supposed* to take a Sabbatical, but alas, it really wasn’t one, to be honest. Unless you consider a remodel of our entire bottom floor on the Sabbatical to-do list.

So there’s my explanation for fewer words. I will still be writing here, but not on a schedule. I’ll write when words burst from me, but right now, I’m slowing down. Minimalizing. Simplifying. Praying. Seeking. Thinking. Exercising. Eating good food. Pursuing my relationships. Loving my family. Praying some more. Journaling.

I’d sure appreciate prayer this summer as I work through what is next. I’m grateful that you took the time to read this, and I’m certain God’s handprints are all over our lives in very cool ways.