By Rebecca Yauger (@RebeccaYauger)

All writers have a part of the process that they love to do and other parts that they despise. Some authors love to plot, outline, and know every nuance of their story before starting chapter one. Others would rather have the story come to them organically, as they write. They may feel their creativity is stifled if they try to outline. Others love the rough draft stage, getting all the words down on paper, and then they dread editing. For me, I’m just the opposite. Getting the rough draft done can be torture. But I love the editing and re-write process. We all have the things we don’t like to do.

Anyone who keeps up with my Instagram page or Facebook page knows I’m obsessed with my granddaughter. And my granddaughter is like most toddlers, as she has her times of playing favorites with her grandparents. Sometimes she is Grammy’s girl, and she only wants to hang out with me. But recently, she’s been Grampa’s girl. She’s been following my husband around like his little shadow, imitating everything he does. Last time she was over at our house, she snubbed me completely. I could barely get a hug from her.

Another new development is she’s been pretty fussy about having her diaper changed – not uncommon in the toddler stage. Every time we say it’s time to change her diaper, she says no.

On this particular day, when she had snubbed me so thoroughly, her Grampa said it was time to change her diaper. She said “no, no, no” and came running into my arms. It was like she was saying “Grammy, save me! I don’t want to do this!” Suddenly, I was her safe place of shelter and protection.

I held her for a few moments, then picked her up and promptly took her to the changing area. And before she knew it, the hard part was over and she was freshly changed, ready to play again.

Through my own writing struggles, I wonder how many times I have snubbed God, only to run to him when I had to do the thing I didn’t want to do. Have I been prayerful about my story? Am I turning to him only when I need him, or am I thankful also for the good writing days as well?

Writing is HARD, no doubt. But the days when the words flow and everything comes together makes it worth it. So, the ONE thing we as writers must do every day is pray over our writing. Welcome God in to walk by our side as we do the things we love and the things that are difficult.

This is true with writing and with the more serious parts of life, like facing tough financial times, receiving a devastating diagnosis, or the death of someone you love.

Don’t snub God.

I was reminded of a quote recently: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God” (Leo Buscaglia).

We can only use God’s gift by remaining in the shelter of His arms, knowing He’s always with us… even as we stare down the blank page.

Rebecca Yauger worked for 15 years in radio and television broadcasting before starting on her writing career. She’s been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts and continues to scribble away on various projects. She also blogs at www.TalkingAmongFriends.com. Becky was past Vice-President and Membership Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (www.acfw.com), and currently serves as ACFW’s Web Manager. She and her husband live near Dallas and have two grown children and one beautiful grandchild.