A Day at the Barn
Yesterday was, in a word, magical. It was oh so special. Rachel and I had been anticipating this day for about a month, and we were so excited when the day finally arrived. This event was hosted by Emily P. Freeman and Christa Wells at Myquillin Smith's home. Myquillin and Emily are authors, but not only that, they're sisters! Christa is a singer-songwriter, and it was such a joy to be in their presence for a day. This year, the Lord has been reawakening in me a desire I've had since I was a child- to be a writer.
Now as an adult, it seems presumptuous to call myself a writer. I went to school to teach elementary students, and yet there is passion that I have to string words together and share them with others. And for some reason, people seem to actually want to read these words. To spend the day with forty other women who write and have the same passions was so refreshing. I felt understood and welcome as I listened to woman after woman put words to thoughts and feelings that I have held within and not know how to express.
The premise of this day was not to find out how to make it big in the blogging world or how to publish a book. It was not about how to gain more followers or how to host a link-up. This day was about rediscovering the why behind your writing. A couple weeks ago, I wrote here about why I blog. But blogging is just one aspect of my writing life. I journal just about every day. I write grocery lists and emails. I send text messages on my phone and thank you notes in the mail. As I sat and listened to Christa and Emily, I was reminded of the root of my writing. It lies in my need to communicate-not just to others, but with the Lord and to myself. I write to process and to help me realize dreams. I write because I want to understand myself and the world around me better. And when I share what I write, it is ultimately to point others to Christ.
"Comparison is the thief of joy" said our dear Teddy Roosevelt. The temptation in writing and posting it for the world to see is to compare and size up my writing against others'-to weigh their words against mine and to judge. But I want my writing to come from a simple and pure place-a place that acknowledges that I have room to grow and am able to listen to others. And so I left yesterday encouraged, knowing that my story, my voice, and my place matter. And God Himself is honored when I step out of the way and just let Him use them for His glory.