In the End—Rejoice
by Jan Powell
(Luke 6:20-23, NIV).
During hard times, I’ve found that I can choose my view of my present situation. Life’s pendulum swings for everyone, but not at the same distance from good to bad or at the same speed. I’ve seen some languish in the dark of the downward swoop while others shift back and forth at a dizzying pace. I believe determined ones find a way to latch onto the bright end of the momentum, making the most of the patterns that God works through.
Up and down. Back and forth. When I’m anxious, I seek the best focal point—Jesus. Comfort may collapse into discomfort, but that discomfort will recede when I embrace fresh encouragement and pass it on.
Why?
In the shifting ways of the world, we all at times need a hand up. So, when I receive, I seek a way to give. I try to identify who can use my time and skill. Then God’s floodgates of goodness will spill back onto me in various ways.
We know the frustration of a blank screen when we chide our inner, dreaming self. “Will anyone ever read this? Or like it? Or buy it?” At other times we compose brilliant, inspired work on Saturday and when we reread it Monday morning, we wonder, “What was I thinking! This is useless.”
In some situations, help sought from experts results in harsh words. Their discouragement can destroy the fragile foundation of our writing dreams. Getting up after being knocked down comes from God’s words that build a ladder of encouragement.
What can we do?
When we generate our own frustration or suffer the assault of others, we can refocus on the call of God—and move forward.
Our writing community helps us grab the momentum of good writing days. We fill the cup of creativity and discover new paths to pursue. We write and prepare to write again. When the hours of composing are done, we thank God. And weekly we reach out to those who struggle.
With our discipline established, we realize others need encouragement or suggestions to move forward and fulfil their calling. Helping is often as valuable in God’s plan as achieving. Together we will celebrate at God’s party in eternity.
Father of all encouragement, help me not only make good progress in my writing, but help others find their way. Amen.
Jan Powell, a graduate of the University of South Florida, helps writers through Writing with You, offering editing, rewriting, and coaching for fiction and non-fiction. Published in The Wordsmith Journal and Splickety, she has written for Inkspirations since the beginning. Her in-depth editing includes poetry, devotionals, memoirs, fantasy, murder mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, and flash fiction. She has hosted Tampa Word Weavers for almost two decades and has served in its leadership.
Discover more from Inkspirations Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
