A reader writes:
Given all you cover here (blog) and Catholic Answers, what works best to keep you keep from running dry?
Hm. I haven’t really thought of it in those terms. I assume that the reader is asking this to try to figure out what works for me so that he can apply similar techniques himself, so I’ll try to answer from that angle.
Usually the problem is not running out of things to say. I’m constantly on the lookout for new material on my own, and many folks write in with questions or send links. The problem is more like not having the time needed to say all of the things I could. I have to force myself not to blog more than I do because I need to spend time on other things (like having a life).
That said, there are some things that help keep me going. One is the feedback I get in the combox and via e-mail. That tells me that I’m making a connection with the readers and that they’re interested (whether they agree or not) with what I have to say. If nobody was interested in what I was saying, I’d get disappointed and quit.
The links that I get from other blogs and seeing my blog doing well in the rankings also show interest in the work I’m doing, and that’s positive reinforcement as well.
Beyond that, it’s just trying to maintain a healthy curiosity about all kinds of things and keeping an eye out for good material
If I had to summarize, I’d suggest these points:
1) Pace yourself. Figure out how much time one could afford to spend and then don’t exceed it.
2) Look for what kind of positive reinforcement you can get and take satisfaction in it.
3) Stay curious about things. Always try to be learning something new.
4) Keep on the lookout for good material. Always be pre-planning what you’re going to do next.
Hope these help!
Thanks for the advice Jimmy. There’s no shortage of resources for learning about and deepening one’s Catholic faith — websites, podcasts, cd’s, books, tv, seminars and conferences, etc. It’s like drinking from a firehose.
It has become easier for me to recognize the obvious frivolous activities in my life, but when it’s good things competing for my time and attention it becomes especially challenging because it becomes easier to justify — write responses to things on a blog or forum, or watch a movie with my wife; read a book on apologetics or take my son swimming; go to a faith seminar or improve my professional skills. Finding the right balance continues to be a challenge.
I have also had to consider in my life whether I spend much more time sharpening the sword than actually using it — that is, learning about my faith as opposed to actually putting it into practice through good works. I suspect it will always be a challenge, but it is frustrating trying to figure out just how much to sip from the firehose.
I know it depends on one’s state in life, but I’d be curious how many of you prioritize these things in your own lives.
John E,
I know what you mean. One thing I do not regret is getting my own iPod so that I can listen to Catholic Answers podcasts while doing other things that need done. You can take out the iPod on your daily walk, or play shows while in transport. I also listen to podcast shows while doing rote household tasks–by the end of two shows, the house is pretty well in order and time just flew by.
When I am even more pressed for time, and in the course of contemplation, I come up with a question, then I make a mental note of the subject I need to look up, and keep my reading limited to such topics so that I can get done what needs done. We’ll all have days where we can’t spend hours reading websites and all links, letting our minds wander from topic to topic.
Family also does not have to compete with time spent learning the faith. You may be able to get the wife and son interested so that you can spend quality time in some engaging discussions.
If you tend not to fall asleep right away after going to bed, you can use those minutes before nodding off, to read. Fifteen minutes here and there will add up. It wouldn’t have to be anything heavy–some reading about the lives of saints can do, as well as give you some interesting conversation for family time.
Sometimes it may seem like you’re spending more time sharpening your sword than using it–and then one day God drops a potential convert right into your lap, and then you’ll see that it all wasn’t a waste of time. Maybe God will send a well-meaning Jehovah’s Witness right to your doorstep. Maybe you’ll meet a well-meaning non-Catholic who’s burning to ask you questions and demands that you justify what you believe or do. It’s hard NOT to get into these situations several dozen times during the course of your life. That sword you’ve been sharpening suddenly makes up for lost time, and you end up having some very joyous moments, and you thank God that you know what you know.
Hope that helps some.