A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Through My Window

June 5, 2017

I recently discovered something startling, and I need to tell someone. Award-winning, internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn has been peeking in my windows.

I realized this fact during his keynote address at the recent Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. The scenario he described was a perfect capsule of my life for the past year.

Watch the rosebushes, Davis.

He described a time in his life when he wanted to write while holding down a full-time job that was stressful. Well, hello. He said he would come home in the evenings and try to write, but he was too drained and exhausted, mentally and physically, to do so.

Here’s some Windex, Davis, make yourself useful.

I have been in my current job for 27 years, and the majority of the time it has been a wonderful place to work. This year? Hmmmm. I won’t go into details, but it was a tough, tough year. Most days, I felt the same way as Davis described. After work, I would often try to write something meaningful, but the words didn’t come. It was easier to give myself a brain break and play Spider Solitaire and watch the Great British Baking Show on Netflix.

Davis said something else that hit me where I live.

“By focusing on the hardship of my situation, I was making the hardship harder still.”

“By focusing on the hardship of my situation, I was making the hardship harder still.”- Davis Bunn Click To Tweet

Why you gotta be so real, Mr. Bunn?

I realized what I had done. I had let the stress of everyday life keep me from what God called me to do. I was like Peter, who sank like a rock when he paid attention to the waves instead of focusing his eyes on Jesus while He was walking on water. I had gazed on the circumstances and not on the Savior.

Bunn completed his speech, and I assume he returned to his room to write another bestseller.

On the other hand, I trudged across campus through a monsoon to my lovingly-appointed Ridgecrest room and got real with God. In the most honest time of prayer I’ve had in a long time, I asked Him to forgive me and to help me navigate the balance between the circumstances of life and my writing. I emerged with my faith energized, knowing He will keep His promises and motivate me to do better at keeping my eyes on Him.

Full disclosure: Davis Bunn didn’t actually look in my windows (Although that would be cool, albeit a little creepy). However, he did obey God by “opening the vein” to share a message that hit me and many others like a hammer right when we needed it.

Thanks, Davis Bunn. Oh, and you missed a spot over there.

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  • Cherrilynn Bisbano - Associate Editor A3 June 5, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Carlton, This is one of my favorite articles by you. Funny and challenging. Thank you for the reminder to pray about everything.

  • Connie Rosser Riddle June 5, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Hey Carlton,
    I just read your post and really can identify with you. I go between feeling that God’s giving me the power to do what I’ve been called to do, and feeling overwhelmed. Today that’s true for the whole notion of building a platform in social media. I’d rather sit under a tree and read a book! So, I guess we just put a foot forward at the time, trusting that with our steady work and focus on Him, we will complete this race.

  • Dwayne June 5, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Amen, Carlton!
    I preached that message not to long ago, “is Jesus at your Center?” Watch were your looking, you will go where your looking…was just a peice of it. Great post sir ??

  • Jeris Hamm June 5, 2017 at 11:51 am

    Really good–entertaining, encouraging, and even suspenseful (was Davis Bunn actually looking through the window or is my friend Carton losing it?)! Thanks for the fun read!

  • Mary Beth Dahl June 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Wonderful post! Thank you. It’s been a long day at work, and I sat down to do some writing, but then decided to check my Twitter and that led me here, and I’m glad it did. The writing wasn’t happening for me tonight. The mountain was starting to look impossibly tall. Thank you for the reset! His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Onward we go!

  • Charla June 5, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Carlton, you are spot on. I experienced a similar reckoning with my soul as Davis spoke. My journey as a writer is in its infancy. I know God authored Davis’s keynote. Those words ministered to a multitude that night. I’m grateful for his obedience. Thank you for sharing a nicely crafted post!

  • Debra DuPree Williams June 9, 2017 at 10:35 am

    I’m a bit late in reading this post, but it is spot on. Love the humor in it. As Joyce Meyer frequently says, “Cast your cares.” Just lay it at the feet of Jesus and get to what we’ve been called to accomplish on this earth. Great post.

  • Jean Wilund - Writing with Humor June 9, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Carlton, I love this post! Powerful and funny — the perfect combination. Thanks for giving us a peek in your window!

  • Sharron Knight Cosby June 18, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Have you peeked in my window?

    I’m late to the window peeking post, but it’s timely as I struggle with a stress-laden, joy-sapping, bills-paying, insurance-providing job.

    My alarm wakes me at 4 am so I can get ready to leave home by 5. I have an hourlong drive to work. My choice to leave at this ridiculous time is to (1) beat heavy traffic, (2) have my quiet time, (3) have writing time. The first two goals are easily met. Number 3 is a challenge as I am surrounded by files and emails screaming for attention. Of late I shut my laptop and address the crises on my desk.

    I leave for home at least two hours after normal quitting time for the same reason I leave early–to avoid horrendous traffic. By the time I get home at seven or eight, sometimes nine, writing’s appeal is low on my list. I’m like one of the commenters, I default to social media to numb out before going to bed.

    Your post provided me a new perspective and much to think about. I relate to Peter sinking like a rock.

    Thank you for washing your window, allowing a glimpse into your epiphany.

    Blessings and hope for today.