Happy New Year! I must have more than two dozen blog drafts since I started blogging in 2015. This past year my blog DavidSpeaks was a little quiet, and I am happy to explain why.

Busy

Contrary to what the older generations may think, millennials do know the definition of busy. I’m not flexing on anyone, simply just explaining what I’m involved in. I work as a youth director at my church. This isn’t a flex I promise

• Youth director, facilitating spirituality programs an hour before sunset on Saturday for the adults and youth. Shout out to my mother and father, elder Gene Jones, and all those who volunteer to assist me.
• Social Committee
• Deacon
• Pathfinder counselor
• Song Leader, leading congregation in praise and worship.
• Singing/ playing for special music.

All of which I am happy to be a part of, but sometimes it can get a little exhausting. To all church goers, I encourage you to take all the naps, breaks, and vacations you need. Also please be sure your ministries are for the glory of God, not to make yourself look good.

I’m still makin’ it as a full time driver. How else is Jeff Bezos gonna rocket off into the stars. Package counts only get heavier during the holidays. Those are ten hour shifts four to five days a week. No matter how hectic it may be at times, I will always be grateful for work.

I’m now a happily married man making time for his wife.

In no way does my spouse sway me from writing, as she knows it’s my passion, but with how busy we both are individually and as a pair, I strive to make that time for us. I am blessed to have a partner who encourages me to do what I love. Marriage has been a learning experience for me as any other stage in my life has been.

Tough Times

This past year I experienced a little bit of everything. I felt like I could not catch a break and everything thrown me and my wife’s way had to be handled right away. For the sake of moving forward and not rehashing what I can’t control I won’t go into detail. But I will throw out one: my grandmother Mary Ernestine Huntley went to sleep in Jesus.

I miss her still, but I am pleased she is no longer in agony. As I said this was only one unfortunate thing I endured last year. Some people distract themselves by doing what they love in trials. Unfortunately at times I am the exact opposite. Sometimes I don’t want to do anything but focus on the matter at hand. Questions will dance around in my mind, such as, How am I going to get through this? Why did this happen? Could I have prevented this? What did I do? Is this a test? I realize now I probably wasn’t doing myself any favors focusing solely on the negative. A former employer once encouraged me and the rest of our crew to try reflecting on what we can’t control and what we can control to get through anything.

What I can’t control:

• The unpredictable because I’m not psychic nor a prophet
• The past
• People’s words, actions, and thoughts towards me
• Death
• Weather

What I can control

• How I respond to uncertainty
• My words and actions

Inspiration

I’m not just plucking ideas like they’re abundant fruit on a tree. If that were the case I’d have something to share weekly. All of my ideas, not just for writing, come to me when I’m not looking for them. Often God sends me ideas while I’m in my personal waterfall; the shower.

Who Would Read This

We all have our insecurities. Over the years I’ve typed up dozen of things that are collecting digital dusts in the drafts section.At the time I didn’t think they were worth reading because I’ve seen better work that is grabbing the attention of many. To all the writers out there, is this a problem for you too?

This year one of my goals is to get back to being an active blogger by posting more, remembering writing is my passion, being patient on ideas, and encouraging the blogging community in any way I can.

May we all reach our goals this year.

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