James 1:17 (NIV) “Every good and perfect gift is from
above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change
like shifting shadows.”
"I believe that God made me for a purpose. But
He also made me fast, and
when I run, I feel His pleasure.” This is a line from the film “Chariots
of Fire”. James Liddell is talking to
his sister about his purpose. He knows
that God wants him to be a missionary.
He is also convinced God made him a runner.
I have always loved
running. When I was a younger guy in
high school I loved track. I’m not
saying I was a great runner. I never had
coaches courting me because they thought I was a top athlete. I never came close to breaking a record or
won a medal. I just loved to run. No one
gives you a medal for your love of a sport.
In my younger years I would
envy those who were recognized for their outstanding skills. I knew other young people who were really
talented runners. I loved to run and
knew I couldn’t keep up with the great ones.
They always outdistanced me. I
ran anyway.
What was it about running I
loved? I believed running was something
that gave me pleasure. During those
years I wasn’t aware I could give God pleasure.
Especially when it came to long distance or cross-country running there
was a sense of freedom. There was always
someone to compete against as well. If I
was running a three-mile cross-country race my main goal was to finish. The runs could be grueling and painful. I never quit however.
I approach my
writing like I did my running. I can’t
keep up with the great writers but I still love it. For all the pain it can be to write I love
it. I love words and what writers do
with them. I love the words that come to
me. In
my stories I feel God’s pleasure!
I love the letters
that make up the words that help me write my stories. Every letter has its place and is so
unique. I love how some letters are
straight and some have curls. Don’t you
just love the little curls of the letter “e” and “s”? Those tricky guys we know as “m” and “w” can
almost imitate each other when they are upside down. That’s so funny!
As writers we get
to play with words. That is such
fun! As writers we also get to nurture
words so they know exactly how they can live with others. This nurturing results in our stories, our
plays, poems, etc. The pain or struggle involved in writing is worth it.
When I was a young
guy who loved to run I was wise enough to know I needed a coach. I’ve always thought that the men I had as
coaches realized I would never be an Olympic star. They encouraged me anyway. I thank them for that.
As a writer I am
aware I need coaching. I have the honour
to be writing with some accomplished writers.
They are some of my favourite teachers (coaches). I receive critiques from them and take to heart
what they suggest. It’s awesome! I’m over sixty and still learning a wonderful
craft. Just like when I would train as a
runner I am in training as a writer. It is all for the love of writing!
Blog:
ScarredJoy@wordpress.com
Great post, Alan. I can see your growth as a writer even since you started blogging here. Plus, your enthusiasm is infectious! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy! Your encouragement means a lot to me. You gave me my first opportunity to post on a regular basis. I enjoy it and I'm happy you see growth in my writing. Take care!
DeleteHey Alan! I like your blog and the idea of writing just for the joy of it echos in my heart. For me, finding out that my writing connects with someone else just doubles the joy, so I hope you feel that lilt in your heart as you read this!
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth! Yes, I feel the lilt and thank you for the encouragement. It is indeed a thrill when people connect with my writing.
DeleteI love your comparison of how you feel about running with how you feel about writing--the pain, the excitement, the joy of putting one foot, or one word, in front of the other to help you reach a goal. You are willing to be open toI do the suggestions coaches or fellow writers give you. I too find we can learn so much from others. I see you growing in confidence as a writer. Ruth and Tracy are not the only ones who enjoy reading your blogs and catching your enthusiasm. I do too. Thanks,Alan.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon! I find you to be a great encouragement to me as. I appreciate you notice the growth in my confidence as a writer. Thank you for enjoying my posts. Isn't writing just a ton of fun? It is to me and I appreciate you sense my enthusiasm. Take care Sharon!
DeleteKeep writing, Alan. Your delight in putting words together is infectious. We encourage one another and learn together.
ReplyDelete"In my stories I feel God’s pleasure!" That's a great perspective, Alan. If we focus on that, then what good things we accomplish. Yes we would like an accolade or two - or someone requesting our books by the score, but oh what joy it surely is when we can say we feel God's pleasure when we write! Keep 'running' Alan. Your writing and outlook is invigorating!
ReplyDelete