It’s not my job to save the world through my writing.
I know there may be a chance you read that link and thought “uh, nobody asked you to,” but the truth is that those exact words came to me on Tuesday. And I thought, Huh. And then Ohhhhhh. In fact, it felt like an escape door floated down from heaven and settle on me as I walked to my car to get something.
I wouldn’t have ever articulated the feeling just like that – but yes, there is a sense, with any gifting, that it’s yours to use for good — the good of others, the world, anyone and everyone. Leaders tell you that, books tell you that, people in your area of expertise tell you that. And while I think it’s true that we are given gifts to reflect the Creator who designed us, if let at just that, well those thoughts can quickly feel like an incredibly heavy pack you are charged to carry with you every day of your life. What feels weighty at first ends up more like I MUST WAKE UP AND HELP THE WORLD TODAY. EVERYTHING IS BURNING AND MY ONE GLASS OF WATER SHALL PUT IT OUT. And there, right there, is where we slip into the role of a savior.
Ahh, I’ve done it without even realizing it. This pressure of Am I writing enough? And am I writing about the right things? (Reader, what are the right things?) Am I punching enough holes in the dark night of sky over our world? Am I? Am I???? Wow, that’s a lot.
But here’s what I realized in that silent a-ha as I walked to my car two days ago: My job is to be a human and meet people where they are.
That’s it.
God gave me a way with words that I’m discovering feels as easy as opening my eyes in the morning. But save the world with the skill? No. Not in my human description.
You know what I think instead? Maybe, just maybe Creator, Savior, Wind Whisperer God gave it to me so I could reach my hand out and grasp onto Him. So I could feel my way towards Him and know Him and myself better.
So yes, a gift — but a gift for myself.
And wow, that changes things.
After 13 years of working towards a career with words, here I am, back at the beginning of a quiet blog, myself and the pleasure of finding my way through and to me with God.
