I have enjoyed writing over the years, and many, many years ago I even had a few articles and stories published. My cat in this picture has given me some inspiration and also liked to “help” with her paw when I wrote in my journal. Actually, I think she wanted my attention and was trying to distract me, but it brought me peace to have her by my side, on my lap, or curled up nearby while I wrote. At least I could override her when it came to what and how I wrote.
I remember one particular article I wrote for a magazine and the editors said they liked my article. However, they of course have the liberty to edit, and when they were done editing, it read nothing like what I had written. That really bothered me because even though they had the right to do so and were still paying me, it no longer represented me. That experience put the damper on my peaceful writing experience.
Over the years rejection letters didn’t do anything for me either—whether it was the rejection of something I wrote or the rejection to a job application. I kept submitting articles and stories as well as job applications, but there was always a pinhole in my peace when the rejection letter arrived in the mail.
If you like a particular style, whether clothes, reading material (hardbound, paperback, electronic), furniture and decor, music (I know that can be a touchy subject for some.) etc… Does it bring peace to you? Does it matter what the style of today is? Does it matter if others like it?
I’ve had people tell me I have a gift for writing. Now I’m not saying that to puff myself up…far from it. I’m just saying that there are different styles that work for different people. While one editor may not like what or how I wrote, another individual may be blessed reading something I shared in writing. What was the editor’s loss becomes a treasure to an individual reader. That is why I’ve chosen to just write and let the Lord use it as He sees fit, guiding the readers to my blog who need what I share. It’s not that I couldn’t use the extra income from writing, but it isn’t worth it to me to have what I’ve written changed so much that it doesn’t even sound like me. I’d rather people read me for who and what I am, and allow the Lord to use my writing as He sees fit.
Over the years, I’ve come to take on my Mom’s motto, “If others don’t like it, they can buy me something better.” She was referring to clothing, and though that attitude came from her not having and not being able to afford nice new things, I think for me it has come to mean more about myself. If I’m out of my “element” by wearing clothing I don’t feel comfortable in or going somewhere or doing something I don’t enjoy or that may be questionable to me, it doesn’t bring peaceful feelings. I wear what I like whether it’s in style or not—within reason. I’m definitely not a “Beverly Hillbillies” person nor a trendsetter, but more of a retro person in many aspects.
So what brings you peace in the different areas of your life? Are you comfortable in your own skin, as the saying goes? Do you dress in a particular fashion to be trendy or accepted, but feel self-conscious or uncomfortable? Does that bring you peace? How about your home? Have you overspent to purchase or decorate your home and now stress over bills? How’s peace in that area? Do you go with the flow and frequent places that you wouldn’t want to be seen in if your parents, pastor, or the Lord should see you entering or leaving? Is that a peaceful situation?
I know I’m meddling somewhat, but all I’m saying is that peace is the bottom line and if you don’t have peace about what you’re doing, wearing, etc. then you can’t expect to have God’s peace permeate your life. He will give peace when you’re obeying Him and living for Him—that’s what brings peace!
I want to close with a brief thought about the direction of peace, where the arrow is pointing. There is a peace with God, a spiritual peace—that points upward, and it affects our relationship with Him. Next there is a peace within, an emotional peace—that points inward and is what we most often refer to as the peace of God. Then there’s a peace with others, a relational peace—that points outward and is what brings people together. Look at the direction of your life in these areas and see what is at the end of the arrow.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8, NIV
This verse points us to God and when we go there in our thoughts, words, and actions, He comes to us with His peace. But as moms always say before a meal, go wash your hands. Then you’ll have a clean spot for His peace to enter and reside.