This morning I woke convinced that my current WIP (Work-in-Progress) is too allegorical, too spiritually focused, not trendy and cutting-edge, and deserved to be torn to shreds. I decided I’m an out-dated dinosaur with nothing fresh to offer. The paper shredder called to me.
That’s not an uncommon impulse for a writer.
We often don’t have accurate views of our work. Sometimes our egos inflate the things we create to idol status. Other times our doubts and fears convince us our efforts are worthless.
Either way, I’m looking in the wrong direction.
Too much analysis of my skill (or lack of) or my popularity (or lack of) or my potential (or … you get it) simply keeps the focus on ME ME ME.
Art is meant to be a gift – with thought for others. Art exploring faith is meant to be an expression of relationship with God–with focus on Him.
So today I will stop groaning about my inadequacies. I’ll stop looking for approval for a skillfully penned sentence. I’ll stop chasing trends or fads. Instead, I’ll thank God for the stories He is writing in our lives. He can weave our ragged pieces together. Even when we feel torn and frayed, we can offer back what He’s given us and wait to see what He will do.
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
Let’s not send ourselves or our work to the shredder. Instead, let’s pray.
Dear Lord, here are the crumpled pages of my life and my work. I offer them to you. Help me focus on You today. Please write Your story. Amen.
How about you? Do you feel torn or frayed lately? Do you ever notice your focus getting stuck in the wrong place? Feel free to share in the comments!
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Thank you Sharon I needed to hear that 🙂 I’m a photographer and am always critiquing my work to harshly sometimes. I like what you said about art being a gift. It reminded me that my photos are gifts to others. And that they should not go back to me to get praise but for God to get praise. I’m just capturing an image of His marvelous, amazing, awe inspiring craftsmanship. (newborn photos especially)
Thanks, Rena! It’s so true. All sorts of art forms can reveal, express, share, and stir awe for our loving Creator… especially when we get out of the way (with all our harsh put-downs of ourselves). Thanks for sharing YOUR gift with others!!!!
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks, Sharon, for being so honest and transparent and, of course, wise.
What a great post, Sharon. You know I do the same thing. Thank you for the reminder that we’re to give Him our stories.
Thanks, Patti. Do you ever wake up and your first thought is – “I’m so bad at this writing thing, I should quit.”? Not a fun way to start the day. But it did help me think about where my focus was. 🙂
Thanks, Angie. The same Savior who used a few loaves and fish to feed multitudes can surely use our little stories for SOMETHING good. 🙂
Thanks, Sharon. I really needed this to refocus today (every day??). You bless my life!
Thanks, Ruth. You bless my life, too!!! I miss you!
Thank you for this Sharon. I am indeed feeling torn and frayed. God has given you such a special gift for putting into words the way so many of us feel and you get our focus back onto God.
Blessings,
Kathy
Just what I need today, Sharon…well, every day really. We need the kiss of God every day on our work and can only get that when we offer it (and ourselves) to Him on a daily basis.
Hi Kathy, I’m so sorry you’re feeling torn and frayed, but I’m asking Jesus to weave you back together by His grace! Love you!
Thanks, Lyn. Yes indeed, when my work is MY work, it causes strain and frustration and doubt. When it is HIS work, I stand back in joy and see the things He does. 🙂
You said allegorical. That sounds exciting. Can’t wait to see what it turns out to be!
Yes, I was worrying it might be TOO allegorical…but I think anyone who liked the Sword of Lyric books will like this new series. 🙂
I was inspired by the Biblical story of King Josiah’s servant finding the book of the law, after it had been lost and forgotten. Quite the shake-up! Of course I interpret it into a whole different universe with it’s own history with the Maker. I better stop sharing now. Can’t give away too much. Hee hee!
Wait…I been wondering-Will this new series happen to be a spin-off of Sword Of Lyric? I mean, you kind of left it open ended….:)
Naomi – it’s a totally new universe and characters…with some new twists…but a similar spirit. 🙂
Cool-can’t wait to see this new world! I like the sound of a Josiah-type story. He has always been one of my favorite Biblical kings.