Finding the Way in Writing by Tina Yeager

Finding the Way in Writing

by Tina Yeager

“’Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me . . . You know the way to the place where I am going.’  Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’”

(John 14:1,4-6, NIV).

 

Boulders hunkered against the mountainside. Their resemblance to ancient spiritual formations intrigued me. I climbed over the mossy granite stone and plunged my hiking shoes into beds of untrampled leaves. Voices near the waterfall dwindled behind me as I ventured further off the trail.

Would my adventure reward me with a unique vantage point? No one else had opted for this particular journey. Gnat clouds and spiderwebs thickened the humid circumstances. As the terrain grew steeper, the risk threatened to outweigh the value. I could tumble alone down the rocky face of a substantial mountainside. I reached for vines to steady my footing on the muddy slope. The unruly forest blinded me from any marked trails and confirmed I didn’t know where I was going.

My writing journey often veers into uncharted territory. Spiritual formations and new perspectives beckon me into projects with no assurance of a profitable destination. I climb over slippery publication obstacles only to lose my footing in the steep wilds of sales. Investments in hopes of reaching souls could lead to disaster.

The excitement of blazing the trail of my unique purpose as a writer may falter at times. I scan the cliffside of financial risks and impossible marketing pressures growing in tangles around me. Isolation and fear slicken the path and threaten my footing. My efforts could lead to a painful crash and I’ve no clue where I’m going. A negative thought swarm gathers with doubts about whether I know the way.

I reach up for hope to save my slipping spirit. The vine steadies me from despair and disaster. I ask the Holy Spirit to gust a doubt-dispensing breath of truth over me. As the negative thoughts flee, Jesus reminds me that he is my way.  No matter where my writing journey leads, the Lord’s presence sustains my steps. As I place my writing fingers into the hand of life, joy returns to the walk. My true hope doesn’t depend upon what I might find at the end of the trail. I discover the greatest reward by remaining centered in his presence.

Instead of focusing on the risks or fears of the circumstances, I will write each word-step with faith blazing thrills. I look forward to this writing adventure in the way of Christ.

Father, thank you for giving me this awesome and unique writing path. I’m so grateful you remain with me. Thank you for offering yourself as my way, Jesus. Please help me stay centered in your presence so I can enjoy the entire adventure with you. Amen.

 

 

Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. She serves on the marketing team for STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show and as Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International. Look for her books, Beautiful Warrior (Iron Stream Media) and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision Books). To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.