That’s because I’m wired to write. Not everyone is blessed in this way. First, it’s a blessing to have discovered how God wired me. Second, it’s perhaps a greater blessing to be able to do what He wired me to do. I’m pretty sure in Heaven we’ll be doing exactly what God gifted us to do. But here in this imperfect world, this place were there is more suffering than I’d like to imagine, some suffering must be felt by those who’ve discovered how they’re wired but through with one circumstance or another are kept from acting on their God-given talent.
I think if someone is wired to serve and they get to serve they must feel this same way I do when I’m writing. They’re reflecting the image God stamped on them. Same with those who preach or teach or nurture. If God wired them to do any of that, it’s like fulfilling what they were created to do. A bird flying just for the fun of it is worshiping God because he’s doing what God wired him to do.
And the work that comes with whatever we’re wired for hardly feels like work. If you would have told me in High School when I was sitting in American History that one day I’d be poring over American History books for pure enjoyment, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Admittedly I’ve always loved history, but I love it best when I’m learning in the areas that interest me. Do I need to know what kind of food would have been served at a high society table in 1880s New York? How about on an immigrant’s table, or a shop owner’s? What kind of fashion would the characters in my books be wearing? What was the world around them like, from the politics to the culture? Research is fascinating when it’s connected to a work-in-progress, and if that’s scheduled to be part of my day I know I’m set for a good time.
Nearly everything concerning our gifted area should either be fun or one of those light burdens Christ referred to, because it enhances that wiring deep inside of us. By offering what I write, I’m reflecting the image of God, that creative part of Him.
We don’t have to look very far to realize God is creative. Look at the variety of dogs, for example. So many sizes and temperaments that one is sure to appeal to every taste! Or the fishes of the sea, or the trees that reveal the wind, the flowers that reflect all the colors under heaven. It stands to reason if we’re made in God’s image, He might have included in us a slice of His creativity.
When we tap into it, we’re reflecting Him.
Is it any wonder we’re at our happiest when we’re doing what God wired us to do?
So as you go through today, I hope you get to spend a little time reflecting whatever unique image God stamped on you!
Robin here: I had a note from Tracie. First, she wanted to express thanks to Maureen for helping out in this way. And second, she wanted all you readers out there to know that Tracie and Judy's book, A Daughter's Inheritance, is free for the Kindle right now. So if you read on the Kindle or iPhone or iPad or computer, grab your copy today.
What a fascinating post Maureen. I never would have thought along the lines that I was "wired" to do what I do....I am one of the nurturing one's. :0)
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about it, I realise that I always wanted to do Nursing, but circumstances intervened and I took the long way round. There was always something that cropped up... raising a family, school fees to pay,just as examples. I could not afford to do my university course at this particular time, because if I was unable to complete it for some reason, then my three gorgeous children would have had to leave their school and no way did I want that to happen. I was determined they would have the very best education I could offer, so therefore I needed to be paid while I was training and also, not in a highly pressurised environment! You might say I was wired to "stepping stones."
Originally I trained as a dental nurse, which stood me in very good stead but knew that I wanted to do general nursing, so I applied for positions in a nursing environment,eg Nurse Assistant in Aged Care Residential Facilities, a very far cry from the Neonatal Nurse that I had always dreamed of becoming! However, this position taught me numerous lessons along the way which really enhanced my thinking, feeling, sensitivity and understanding towards the "Resies" that I cared for.
Some years later,the opportunity presented itself and I was on my way..Yay! Not only did I fulfil my dream of becoming a Neonate Nurse, I was given an added bonus as my elder daughter and I did our graduate year together at the hospital, and we both ended up in the Neonate Unit together. The following year, my second daughter joined us and I can tell you, I was the proudest Mum in Aus, as I stood beside my two girls!
Who would have thought that we would all end up in the same unit,working side by side!
Twenty two years later as I look back, I think to myself that the hard work was worth it..yes,I will be honest, there were times when I could have thrown in the towel, but I am so glad I hung in there!
I apologise for the long comment, but you really awakened some very meaningful memories for me.
Thank you so much, it was a great post! :0)
Rosie
PS My wonderful son, very politely declined when we suggested he take up nursing...I wonder why! (grin!)
Oh, Rosie, don't apologize for your post! I'm so glad you shared your story. It's absolutely inspiring - not just to me, but to anyone who reads it. At my church we just finished a series on Joseph, and I was reminded of how many times he must have thought what in the world God was doing in his life - and yet it all worked together for God's purposes. I love hearing about people who've stayed faithful, as you have! What a wealth of experience you have, from family nurturing to both ends of life's spectrum. Thanks again for sharing. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Maureen. I have to admit that I think God wired me in several different directions that eventually brought me to my writing. I've had the opportunity to experience each of those 'jobs' as my life has progressed. I'm thankful for each one. The Lord used a lot of circumstances to get me positioned for the writing life, but I'm thankful for all those other experiences along the way--they've helped me see so many different aspects of the human condition that have influenced my writing. :) Glad to have you with us again this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post, Maureen - - great "food for thought" today. Blessings on you and hope you have a wonderful weekend, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about how life influences our writing, Judy! When I started seriously pursuing writing (in my 20s) an older writer told me point blank to go out and live first, then start writing. I preferred to do both at the same time... But there was definitely a season or two in my life where God assigned other roles to me, ones that I enjoyed, too, but left no time or energy to write. It's so true that God uses it all!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping in, Patti Jo! Glad you enjoyed the thoughts. :-)