Step by Step - the September meeting's Focus Point

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