I woke up to a rainy morning today, a perfect time to get some writing done.
Here’s what I have accomplished so far:
–Fed the dogs
–Fixed and then ate my breakfast
–Folded a load of towels
–Cleaned some on the spare bedroom.
–Put up early Christmas presents I purchased a while back
–Found some items I had purchased for Operation Christmas Child and put them with some items to take to church
–Organized some of my clothes
–Started packing for a trip next week
Notice what’s NOT on this list: WRITING! Why do we writers do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING ELSE except write when we have the chance?
Maybe it is fear. What if I can’t write any more? What if my work is really terrible? What if no one ever again wants to read my stuff?
Last night, I taught the children’s midweek class at church, and I didn’t have much time to prepare. I decided to do a lesson based on my favorite scripture, Isaiah 41: 10.
Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I have leaned on these words over and over through life’s trials, and I have realized that, when I need to hear or learn an important truth, God will have me study and teach about it. Last night, as I worked my way through this verse, I got just as much out of it as my one student did.
Basically, God’s got this (I know that’s bad grammar, so go ahead and forgive me now). I don’t have to worry (be dismayed) or fear, because He is always with me, even when I sit down at the keyboard to write. The promise of his strength and his help? Priceless! The last line of the verse really hits home when I remember Who is at God’s right hand—Jesus, Who watches over me and intercedes for me daily.
Wow! Knowing all of this, I am ready to write!
Right after I wash the dishes.
Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.
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