Self-examination can be a good thing—especially when it comes to our motives.
If you’re a busy person, you probably ask yourself a couple of times a day, “Do I really NEED to do that?” or “Do I need to do that NOW?” And on the heels of those questions is often, “WHY do I do this?”
Through hill and dale, publishing and rejection, high times and low, I’ve pretty much decided my motive for writing can be expressed in the metaphor of a gift.
God gave me the ability to string words together and pleasure in doing it…so I need to “gift it back.” I need to write for Him.
Oh, I have to be reminded of this quite often. In a slump awhile back, one of my dear Kindred Heart Writer friends wrote in an email, “Our writing is a gift,” and she set me to thinking.
If I give a gift, what do I expect? Probably a thank you. Also, I’d love to see that gift being worn or used by the person I gave it to.
So…God give me the ability to write and I just sit on it? Hoard it? Use it only when I think it will bring me glory or kudos or recognition?
There’s a by-product of our writing that warms my heart. But I have to guard against this being my reason for writing, keeping the “gift” aspect ever in mind.
That by-product? The inkprints we leave behind.
Who knows who will read what I write? Or long it will hang around in cyberspace? Who may stumble upon it months or years from now?
We’ve all gotten the occasional email or comment that makes it all worth it. When you realize what you wrote stirred heartstrings, it’s such an added blessing.
And when you inspire other writers, just think! What God gave you to say just keeps on giving.
A student I taught in high school has her first children’s book coming out in weeks. She was in my drama class. I didn’t teach her English class or creative writing, so my impact on her writing is nil. But what a thrill to discover that one you knew in her formative years is doing what you do now – with such success!
And the other neat part? Our inkprints will join for a bit soon as she has asked me to contribute to the new site she launching that’s connected with her book.
More about that later. I’ll be sure to update you and provide a link so you can visit this aspiring young writer.
Meanwhile, consider your inkprints. We don’t have to know where they lead, which hearts they touch.
We just remain faithful, giving back because we’re thankful for the gift of writing.
Laura
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