Write Here and Now
by TLC Nielsen
(Romans 7:21-23, 25, NIV).
God posed this strange question to me one day, “Where are you in the editing process of your life?”
With my children grown and out of the house, I’m grateful that my novel is in the beginning stages that author Bob Hostetler termed the “vomit” draft. Although it’s been a while since I’ve cleaned up puke, I now know the intensity of tidying up my first attempt at a novel.
Out of the remaining choices of the copy, line, or developmental phases, I view my life in the re-developmental stage of editing because of my three grandchildren. The Lord redefines my heart and my capacity to love as the grandkids layer new perspectives into our lives.
During “style” editing, God asks me to examine each section of my life and make changes, often painful ones. Even my front tooth removal and its impact on being a trombonist, followed by tragic loss, changed me in ways I’m still discovering. The life editing process proves excruciating.
I plead with the Lord to reveal the needed changes. He helps me discover how the different areas of my life undergo various stages of reworking. I appreciate his patience and surrender to him for all the necessary editing.
Lord Jesus, show us the daily changes and course adjustments we need to make to follow you right now, in words and deeds. Please keep us aware of the people you bring into our lives for your purposes.
By day, TLC Nielsen helps students find great books in the school library. At night, TLC plays trombone in several brass and jazz ensembles and, in the in-between places, carves out time to write amidst the fun of family and friends. Find her writings in The Secret Place magazine, WordGirl devotionals, and on the Extraordinary Ordinary blog.
We are all works in progress! The Lord graciously gives us what we need to clean up the messes and fine tune the instruments we need to deal with the life He has given us. Thank you TLC for this encouragement and reminder!
Thank you, Rosemarie. We are definitely works in progress, needing lots of editing.
Interesting question, thank you for encouraging me to ask the editing questions too!
Thanks, Letitia!
Wonderful post, as there is no final draft in life. It’s the continuous effort and putting in the work to keep editing that makes it all worthwhile 🙂
Spoken like a true writer and artist, John!