Write2Ignite

Look Up

Currently, in my corner of the world we are passing through the time of year when two of my favorite constellations, Pleiades and Orion, are visible over our house in the early morning hours.

Even if they are hidden from view, these constellations rest overhead in the morning sky when I walk down the driveway to retrieve the paper, pause, and look skyward at God’s creation.

As I contemplate the constellations’ beauty, I marvel that the One who placed the stars in the heavens, planets in motion, and the desire to write for him in my heart, is mindful of me. God knows exactly where I stand each morning, and he knows each time I sit at my desk to compose words for him.

Hidden Sky View

Recently, I was disappointed. When I looked up, I saw nothing but clouds. No Orion. No Pleiades. Only thick dark clouds. I didn’t see Orion’s belt, shoulders, or sword. Nor did I see the Seven Sisters.

Clouds separated me from the stars I so enjoy viewing. Although I wished the clouds would move on as I continued staring upward, as if staring upward would somehow part the clouds, I was confident Orion are Pleiades were right where they were supposed to be. Whether I saw them or not.

Hidden Writing View

Sometimes, we might find our self in a place with our writing where we feel as I did with Orion and Pleiades. Our writing view is clouded. As if the thing we so long to see, God’s favor on our efforts, is hidden behind the clouds.

Something moved in between us and blocked our view. During those times, it might be easy to believe God left us all alone to stare skyward into a cloudy dark sky.

A cloudy sky filled with a blank page.

Or a scathing review.

Or a critical critique.

Or…fill in your own cloud.

Perhaps the words we were so certain God prompted us to write are returned with a no thanks from the agent, editor, publisher, we were confident God wanted us to submit our work to.

Sure. The occasional rejection note might be crafted to encourage, but with each rejection, dark clouds roll in to obscure the reason we choose to write for God’s glory.

Hidden But Not Gone

During our times of writing struggles, when we look and can’t see God, let’s not forget the fact he’s still there. God hasn’t moved. He is as constant as the Northern Star. When events in our writing life block our view of God, let’s hang on to what we know is true about him. Not what our eyes or emotions tell us.

God loves us. He will never leave or forsake us. He has a plan; a good plan, for our lives. And yes. The Creator God who placed the stars in the heavens, the planets in motion, the belt around Orion, aligned the Seven Sisters, and put the desire to write for him in our heart, knows us by name.

Our name is engraved on the palm of God’s hand, just as surely as we write it on our submissions.

God Works Even When Our Writing is Hidden

In the early morning hours in another part of the world, someone might look into the sky and marvel at Orion’s belt and Pleiades’ Seven Sisters.

Somewhere else, an author might pen words to inspire.

Until the clouds move and I see Orion and the Seven Sisters standing guard once again over my house, I’ll remember that even though they aren’t visible to me, they remain in the sky.

The God who placed the desire to write for him within our hearts before we were born is with us. Even during those times when it seems all our time and effort to write for him is hidden from view behind dark clouds.

God still sits on his throne. He remains in control. His timing is perfect, whether we understand it or not.

And truthfully, as far as my writing is concerned, I rarely understand what is going on with it.

How do you embrace God’s perfect timing in every season of your writing?

Last month I mentioned several suggestions for steps to tackle writing tasks, in case you missed it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Here’s what you can expect from me. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a former elementary school teacher, regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, and a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. You can find me every Tuesday and Thursday at www.sandykirbyquandt.com. Please stop by.