Seven

      I first wanted to be a writer when I was in 3rd grade. This desire continued for a few years and somewhere along the line that dream was left by the wayside for something more practical. I must be honest and say that I've wanted to be a great myriad of things, including a mom, a dancer, a teacher, an artist, a singer, a doctor, a lawyer, and...well you get the picture. However, in the past year, this dream of writing has kept creeping back and tapping me on the shoulder, reminding me of the person I used to be. I stumbled across a writing coach on Instagram (thanks to a friend who shared a post) and I saw she had posted something she called writing prompt Wednesdays. I thought to myself, I could write one prompt a week, even if I didn't finish it on a Wednesday. I won't make any promises for weekly blog posts because the good Lord knows that finishing things isn't always my strong suit. My hope is that I can improve my craft and hopefully share a bit of creativity and encouragement with others. 

 I was more than elated when her prompt this week was: Write your Enneagram. In a poem! (if you don't know what the enneagram is, please ask me about it, so I can talk your ear off and tell you all about personal growth) (AND I've always had a soft spot for poetry) While it's been a while since I've even attempted a poem, there's no time like the present! Just to give you a little bit of background, the Enneagram is a personality typing system that has 9 basic types, all given a number. They aren't based on what you do on the outside, but instead, why you think, feel and behave a certain way. I am a type 7, "The Enthusiast" or "Entertaining Optimist". This poem is just a peek into the way my mind works and into the way I see the world, always looking towards the future, but also longing to be present for those I love. 

Seven
my mind is rushing in a million directions: adventures to be had,
new trips, passions, ministries, opportunities, friends, jobs.
I always imagine a new pathway, a whole world before me
It thrills my soul to dream of what could be next.
I want more than just today. Yet,
Today is all that I'm promised.
It is so hard to sit still.
uncomfortable.
in silence.
waiting.
sinking.
Being
held
back
from
a realm
of
i
n
f
i
n
i
t
e
possibilities.
obstacles in my way.
Disappointment comes.
I can't stop him. I've tried to run.
He tries to capture my dreams of tomorrow.
So, I meet disappointment and I shake his hand.
I quickly introduce joy, wanting to keep his visit short.
Joy transforms the direst of disappointments into something new.
Joy and gratitude anchor me and let me make peace with today alone.
I see light and hope peeking through the cracks in the very darkest, loneliest places.
My story isn't over. God's not finished. He has more up ahead AND enough for today.