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| Confused about your purpose? |
Have you ever walked from room to room, trying to
remember what it was you needed to do? Confused, we scan every corner, hoping something jogs our memories.
Temporarily, we have lost our purpose. Thus, we have two options.
One is to exchange our original purpose for a different
one. While searching for the initial goal, we get sidetracked. Something else
catches our eye. We begin to devote attention to that instead. (The pros and cons of diversions will be saved for another day!)
The other option is to stop and be still for a moment.
Rather than flitting about, we pause and reflect. Mentally or physically, we
retrace our steps. What were we doing before the search began and why? Usually, this quiet reflection reminds
us of our mission.
In the past two years, I’ve made new friends who only
know me as a writer. Too embarrassed to tell my “old” friends about my
new pursuit of writing, it was a close-kept secret.
Evidently, many people without writing degrees feel the
same way. Last year, I attended a Christian Writer’s Boot Camp conducted by
Christian Devotions. They made us say, “I am a writer” so many times we became more
at ease with it!
I’ve been writing for years--journals, special
programs, and various newsletter articles. It wasn’t until age forty-five I sensed
God wanting me to do more with my writing.
Since then, it’s been somewhere between a smooth
merry-go-round of ups and downs to an occasional roller coaster ride!
While I love learning the craft, the work is a lot more
than I anticipated. Sometimes I forget my purpose for pursuing writing. I am sidetracked by a vast array of emotions and life events.
Most of my “old” friends know about my writing by now.
Often times, they will ask me why I have chosen this field of work.
I tell them my purpose in writing is:
1.
To be obedient and honor my Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
2.
To encourage others in their life journeys.
3.
To promote (and hopefully produce)
excellent literature for children and young adults.
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| Writing for Children |
There is so much “junk” out there--written material
that pulls young people down into a miry pit. I plan to work hard and improve
my skills. Lord willing, I hope to produce thought provoking work of “whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, and whatever is
admirable…” (Phil. 4:8)
Now you know my purpose in writing and can hold me
accountable.
So, I guess that brings us to a third option when we
forget our purpose. Share your goals with friends. Forget about being
embarrassed. Good friends will support you.
They’ll remind you what it was you were doing and why.
“But
indeed for this purpose I have
raised you up,
that
I may show My power in you,
and
that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16
What about you? Don’t be timid about trying something
new. If God is in it, His strength will shine through your weaknesses.
Be brave
and share your goals. What is God’s purpose for you today?
