Why keep blogging? Earlier this year I was encouraged by a fellow writer, Laura Thomas (whose Christmas novella was just released, go treat yourself or a friend to a copy!), to read books that would encourage me in this, so I picked up a book by Anne Lamott from the library.
From Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, pg 99:
“I honestly think in order to be a writer, you have to learn to be reverent. If not, why are you writing? Why are you here? Let’s think of reverence as awe, as presence in and openness to the world…”
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird, anchor books, NY, 1994
I’ll add to her definition, from Scripture’s use of these words, that reverence and awe of the world created by a good and loving God, which ultimately is reverence of God the Creator, Sustainer of life; from whom and through whom and to whom are all things! Present in His presence. Openness to the beauty and goodness in His world. Writing out of an abiding life.
An Act of Reverence
Reverence… like all those summers at camp looking up at the stars, falling asleep on the island listening to the rapids, mornings at Vesper point–the fox who approached me at 6a.m. as I sat praying… Reverence like smelling my newborn babies… Reverence, in light of all their hugs and laughter shared… Reverence because God loves me, and will never give up on me, and will always be working all things for the good of my soul…
Reverence in light of eternity… and the difference between eternity and time… in light of God not being bound by the laws of nature… Able to do the miraculous, above and beyond all that we can think or imagine… and awe for the One who is Good, Creative, Beautiful, Magnificent, All Glorious…and who made me in His image, made us all in His image. Reverence for the One who sits on His Throne on High for ever.
I will revere Him!
Why do I write? Honestly, I prefer to teach, to discuss, to engage face to face; yet I feel compelled; I feel joy; I know He has created me to share His truth, to abide in Him and encourage others along the way… I write (primarily in my journal, and then edit it for a blog post) because it solidifies what I’m learning in my own heart and mind. I write because it helps me slow down and enjoy His truth, His lessons, His presence.
And like many writers, when I revisit my own writings, I am once again encouraged by what God has done in me and is continuing in me. These are not lessons I’ve mastered–these are words His Spirit is guiding me in, and bringing me back to in a life of faith and repentance.
Matthew 24:11-13 Many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
It is said of Job in chapter 4 that he “admonished many” and “you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have helped the tottering to stand, and you have strengthened feeble knees.”
I will steward…
I want to steward the manifold grace of God and the gifts He’s given me within His body–to encourage and strengthen as Job did. I want to glorify God and enjoy Him forever as I learn and share.
I care about those whose love may grow cold; and I am encouraged by dialoguing with those who share His great love. When we share in the fellowship of the Spirit, we can fulfill the command to make sure that there not be an evil unbelieving heart that falls away…