Friday, January 14, 2011

I just HAVE to say this...

I am called to be a writer. Jesus called me to it 10 years ago on a hot summer day in 2000. I might have ignored that teeny tiny voice, but instead I walked to my computer, sat down, and vowed to see if I could get beyond page one of a story stirring in my head. And I did! At the time, though, I didn't realize this sudden urge to create stories had come from God. Only as time went by, and that strong desire didn't dissipate, did I recognize it as a "call" upon my life, something I knew I had to do as much as I knew I had to breathe.

Unfortunately, receiving an all-important call from God means only that He will equip us for the work, not that He'll do it for us. No, he gives us the motivation and urge, and even the strength, but the work is up to us. Most days, writing is pure pleasure. I love being able to tell my characters how to behave, what to do, and where to go. I love directing their dialogue, their thoughts, and creating their scenes - even though most times it feels as if they are the ones with the minds. Some days, though (like today), I sit in front of my computer and dawdle over the same few sentences and paragraphs, wasting, it would seem, my entire day.

Those are the days God calls me to persevere, to shove through, to continue the course. Even through the doldrums, when life gets tedious and things don't go as I'd like, God expects me to plod along. I'm not talking just writing here now, peeps, I'm talking the day to day stuff, the daily grind - when nothing terribly exciting is happening. God says, "Keep going, trust Me, I have a plan and purpose, and I need you to stretch yourself, expand your vision, see beyond the tedious to the extraordinary."

Some days are bumpy, uncertain, and downright impassable, but when I place my full trust and confidence in God, He sees me through these times. And guess what else...He will do the same for you.

6 comments:

Sarah said...

This was exactly what I needed to hear. ♥ Thank you so much for following his call. I am so grateful you did! :)

SHARLENE said...

Sarah, darling, you are a sweetheart, and I'm so glad I could encourage you. Keep plodding...

CatMom said...

Wonderful reminders, sweet Shar - - thank you for sharing this. And it helped me realize that even PUBLISHED, talent authors (like YOU!!) have times when the words aren't flowing or you hit a snag. But I'm sure your next series is going to be awesome--just like your previous books.
Love, Patti Jo
p.s. My "Word for 2011" is PERSEVERANCE - - so I needed this reminder from you!

Lynnette Bonner said...

Oh, I need to hear this! Currently in a tough spot on a story! Aye, I think to myself, will this story EVER be right? I don't want to give it another pass, but I know it needs it! So thanks for this! I'll keep plugging along! Hugs!

SHARLENE said...

Patti Jo, I love your 2011 word - PERSEVERANCE. We all need it, don't we.

Lynnette, so glad you stopped by and left a comment. I'm still plodding along, and I encourage you to do the same.

Hugs to all!

Penny Zeller said...

What a wonderful and inspiring post, Shar! Thank you so much for sharing it and for being such an encourager. You are SO appreciated!

Hugs,
Penny