I’ve always had it in the back of my mind to write a book someday, but I was content to leave it on the back burner as a faraway, likely unrealized dream. The main thing holding me back was that I had no idea what I would write about. I didn’t think I had anything to say that people would enjoy reading (I realize the irony of this statement as I write a post on my five-year-old blog). But despite all bad things 2020 brought, it was the year I finally realized what my book would be about.

While God had been planting seeds for me to write this book for a while, the catalyst was when a new coworker and friend, Mathew, asked me to help him with his annual Valentine’s Day Soiree. Mathew is an amazing life and relationship coach, and through this yearly event, he helps couples not only celebrate their relationship, but dream about their future and start to make real change to get there. He asked for my help brainstorming a journal sheet with questions that would encourage accountability after the event for the couples to take the action steps they discussed, and I loved the opportunity to help couples achieve their goals.

Now, I wouldn’t consider myself a particularly creative or “big idea” person. I’m an executor through and through. But as I thought about these questions for the couples, I had a sudden burst of inspiration. It seemed like God tied so many of my passions, experiences, and goals together into this one HUGE concept: A book for couples containing practical action steps for growth in their marriage with a journal component that would help them keep growing.

So many conversations I had with my other married friends centered around this idea of knowing that you should be doing something in your marriage, but not quite knowing how to do it or even being motivated to start doing it. This book seemed to be the answer.

In a matter of a few days, I felt sure this inspiration to write a book was not a coincidence, it was a calling. Even though it wasn’t on my list of things to do this year, I knew God was extending me an invitation to be obedient–to say yes to this huge question mark of a project and trust that he would enable me to do it. So I did!

While I had a high-level concept of the book, what really solidified this was coming up with the title: Rhythms of Relationship. To me, it perfectly sums up what the book is about. Here’s a quote that explains a bit more what Rhythms of Relationship are:

A rhythm is a regular, recurring movement. Rhythms of relationship are commitments you and your spouse make to regularly work on your relationship. They are not simply good habits, which are individual, frequently repeated behaviors that may or may not require effort to cultivate. Rather, rhythms are intentional actions you undertake with your spouse toward the goal of marriage growth. Rhythms are planned, yet flexible. They are repeated, but change over time depending on your relationship’s needs.

Jessica Short, Rhythms of Relationship

I think this strikes the perfect balance of grace and growth, because we all need a little of both. I can’t wait to share more about the writing process with you in my next post! If you want to receive updates on my book, please enter your email below.

Again, thank you all for your patience with my blog this year as I’ve spent more time focusing on my book. I hope to make up for it with much more content in 2021!