Occasionally a writer will ask me how to know if she is called to write. I answer by posing the three questions I ask of my coaching clients who want to know if God has called them to a certain work.
1) Does this activity give you great joy in the doing?
2) Do others consistently give you feedback that your doing this activity blesses them?
3) Would your life feel empty without this activity?
If one can answer these questions in the affirmative, then one can be pretty certain that he is called to that particular work.
So now, let me ask you.
1) Does writing give you great joy in the doing?
2) Do others consistently give you feedback that your writing blesses them?
3) Would your life feel empty without writing?
If you can answer these questions in the affirmative, then you can be pretty certain that God has called you to write.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
Dear MaryAnn,
Every time I question my call to write (like between projects, or when I doubt my ability), God blesses me with affirmation. Your post was the affirmation I needed this morning!
Just two days ago, I struggled with a 500 word article. I agonized trying to make it perfect. I cried. I told God that if I was truly a writer, it should not be so hard. I even hinted to Him that I was going to QUIT.
Right. I couldn’t quit if I had too. I’d be lost without writing. Some projects are within my passion and flow from the pen. Others are projects that drain my confidence. But, you know what? I’m learning strategies for those difficult ones–like setting a timer and defying the perfectionist inner editor to say a word. (And each “difficult” project that I complete is like a giant step towards my writing goals.
Hugs and Sparkle Bugs, dear mentor.
Vie_
November 15, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Hi MaryAnn –
Yes, yes, and yes! I can’t imagine not writing.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
November 15, 2008 at 6:58 PM
MaryAnn,
Thank you for sharing this post.
I have been writing for about a year and have done so voraciously, fervently and with enjoyment. Recently God has placed a calling on my heart to write. The call has increased both the joy and insecurity of writing.
As I stated in my ACFW post, my pastor assures me that anyone with a call will wrestle from time to time. Though I have a passion to write, the insecurity makes it often difficult to share my words. The call requires obedience as a response.
Thank you for your wise words and for introducing me to this great blog.
God bless you.
November 16, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Yes, yes, and yes from me, too!
November 17, 2008 at 10:31 AM