I often think of the day when Christ comes again. The peace that will fill the earth. The love that will fill our hearts. The righteousness that will fill every living thing. The joy that will burst out in chorus from the hearts of those who have long awaited this glorious day!
I reflect upon my life now and wonder if I am pleasing the Lord. Am I doing the things He wants me to do? Am I following His commandments accordingly? Am I worthy to live with Him again?
I know that I am a beloved daughter of His. I feel it everyday in the little things I do. I feel it when privileges to serve others arise and warm me as the Spirit touches my heart. I feel it when my kids come home and show me just how much they missed being with me.
Yet, as these things fill me, I can't help but wonder if there is anything more I can do? I cringe to think if I am lacking in any way. Perhaps one way I know that I can extend myself is to share what the Lord has given me?
I love to nurture others from parenting tips to writing to friendships. I did not have the opportunity to serve a mission and it saddens me. I wish that I had, yet, I can still now, right?
I reach out to others in every way I can.
I think that being a writer is so solitary that we yearn--crave--for others who share our gift, so that we could relate our special experiences with them. I understand that some of us are fortunate enough to be surrounded with them. Yet, there are many of us who float alone among normal people like small islands of confusion.
I believe reaching out to others--whether it be writing wonderful stories or cultivating other writers--will help us grow closer to Heavenly Father. He will bless us through our efforts and strengthen our weaknesses. As I do this, I hope it means that I will become a better writer and that, maybe, I can influence others for the better with the written word?
In what way and how do you nurture others with your writing?
Very well put, Elizabeth. You have a way of putting things in perspective. I also believe that we must use our gifts, whatever they may be, to bring others into the gospel and to help those who are less fortunate than us, whether by simply being their friend or by any other means. I have no doubt that the Lord is pleased with all you've done and will continue to bless you in your gift and your family. HUGS
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Elizabeth. I think God gave me writing not just so I could write but so that I could encourage others to write, and so that I could have an instant bond with other writers. Most of my best friends are writers or readers.
ReplyDeleteWords are a great gift. Think about it, would we have any way to learn from any experience besides our own if it weren't for words? With words, we can live other people's lives, see what they have seen, learn what they have learned.
And I can't wait to see what kind of books get published in the millenium! I hope mine will be worthy of that standard.
You guys are the bestest friends anyone could ask for, love you! :*
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that's a good question. I'm not sure how I nurture people with my writing. I do make people read inordinate amounts of my writing with threat of loss of life or limb, but I'm sure it's for their own good. Just kidding of course. Right now, I'm in a slump so I don't see that my writing is doing anyone much good at the moment. But I can rejoice knowing that my Father in Heaven loves me and all I can do is act on the promptings I get with my writing and with helping others. I know that is what he wants from me right now, so that's what I'm working on. Acting on the promptings I get no matter how silly they seem. I'll let you know how that works out. LOL
ReplyDeleteI know I was called to write because the Lord wanted me to be a missionary for him. I know this. I know because he's told me countless times that there are already thousands of books out there with poor values, he needs books that will stand out and make a difference, books that will change the world. Thank you, for posting this, Elizabeth. This is a great topic!
ReplyDeleteJenni