The Journey of a Writer

Wrapping up our Zoom call, my friend and I double checked our lists. The last hour and a half-included rehashing two retreat schedules, rehearsing staging, and measuring the grocery list. Even our lists were thoroughly vetted, and the timetables held up for scrutiny.

At last, we were satisfied we had done our best to prepare and said our goodbyes. Immediately thinking of two more things, I typed out the texts and set down my phone.

The details matter when events combine into a road trip. Airline schedules, event planners, and audiences flow around their own calendars. All must be organized in order to strategize.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon said there is a time for everything. There is a time for planning so that the direction is mapped out. There is a time for preparation and attending to the details. Then there is a time to execute the plan and follow through to see the final product. Each step is necessary to travel to the destination.

Each step is a part of the journey of a writer.

Exercise:

• Read Exodus 23:20. How does knowing the Lord goes before you encourage you to keep writing? What could He guard for safe keeping? What place or audience is prepared for your message?

• Hebrews 13:5 in the NIV says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Knowing God’s presence is with you as you write, contemplate, and muse, what assurance do you gain?
• Read Isaiah 52:12. Are you writing in a hurry? Are your words coming with a fury? What does it mean to you that the Lord goes before you and comes behind you?
• Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, 17. Write out your timetable and submit it to the Lord for safekeeping. He will let you know when the time is right to release your words.
• Has the journey to being published left you exhausted? Take heart! David and his companions were weary from their travels. But they arrived and you will too. They found refreshment and you will too! (Check out 2 Samuel 16:14.)

The journey of a writer requires planning (mapping out the directions), preparation (attending to the details), and executing the plan (follow through to the finish).

May your travels be eventful and thoroughly scrutinized for the lessons yet to be gleaned.

Where will your words take you?

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net