There is a simple word that is critical to accomplishing our writing goals. That word is the verb step.
There are many words to describe our steps. They can be sauntering or hurried; aimless or direct; baby steps or giant steps. Sometimes we step alone, other times
with company. At times our steps are fruitless; thankfully, many times they are fruitful.
All steps have these three things in
common:
- They move
us from one location to another, from here to there. When we step, we move.
- Secondly,
steps are subject to our decision. The choice to step or be idle is ours. The
direction in which we move is also our choice. Will we take a familiar route or
step into an adventure? Will we step forward or will we step back?
- Thirdly,
a very basic truth is that every journey begins with a single step. That’s why,
when we talk about goals, it's important to define our next step. Even
Isaiah’s promise that we will soar like eagles and run w/o weariness, speaks of
walking & not fainting (Isa
40:31).
Today’s focus is so basic, I
could well have spoken about breathing - we don’t think about taking a breath
much more than we think about taking a step. But if we do not take intentional
steps, we will not progress in our writing journey. Physical exercise,
spiritual growth, intellectual learning... all require a first step - as does our
writing.
Take-home thought: My journey is defined by many steps. What is my next
step?
A
writer's prayer: "Teach me your way,
O Lord, and I will walk in your
truth" (Ps 86:11)... step by step.
Next meeting: October 5, 2013
