Do you have a bucket list? It seems to be what everybody is talking about… in the 40+ generation anyway. I don’t have an official list. I’ve been too busy living in the here and now, to think about what I want to do before I die. Now that I’m 50, I’m slowing down a bit to think about what I actually would like to do.
For years… before I knew what a bucket list was, I’ve wanted to write a book. I’ve merely just made that general statement. Eventually I narrowed it down to possibly a memoir. Writing about real-life things that have happened to me is where my pen usually lands. Not that I’ve led an exciting life, but to make stuff up about characters I’ve created does not seem in my creative realm.
Recently I resurrected my “bucket list” and decided to step out and attend a writer’s conference. I went in with absolutely no expectation. I figured I’d meet a few authors and hear about how they got started. That’s it.
Little did I know that the two days I would spend at the Inland Northwest Christian Writers Conference would change my life.
I came with my new notebook, pen and highlighter! I was ready! Ready for what? I had no idea!
The opening Keynote speaker began talking about bringing God into your writing. What?
Pray about what He wants me to write about? Pray about how He wants me to write and what He wants me to accomplish? I’ve been a Christ-follower for almost 30 years and this was completely new to me. Writing has been something I’ve done on my own. “I’ve got this one handled, Lord! You worry about the things that need help in my life, not the things I’m confident with.”
Suddenly this experience with no expectation had fresh expectation and a longing began.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
I’ve known that God gave me the love of writing. I’ve known that much of what I write is faith-based and God is usually the culminating thought. I’ve known that I want my writing to be meaningful to the person reading it. The thought of bringing God into this intimate part of my life gives me a greater hope that this dream I have will be even better.
My blank expectation of my gifting began to take shape. I listened and wrote with a fresh vision, longing and desire.
Over the course of the two days I was able to begin to form a vision… establish a possible starting place. My mind is full. My heart is swelling with excitement that I can write alongside my Jesus and He will give me encouragement, vision and direction. I’ve also realized the importance of surrounding myself with a community of writers.
For both of these, I’m excited, nervous and hopeful! At the moment, my thoughts and vision are blurred, but I can see a light beginning to gleam in the distance and a direction beginning to become more clear… I think!
Who knows where God might take me or what kind of writing He may put on my heart! But, I’m open to be surprised, challenged and blessed beyond measure along this journey!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Thoughts and Reflections on Life 