When Your Writing Feels Small...

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

I had the privilege last week to teach at the Lexington Word Weavers 2^nd Anniversary Christian Writers Workshop. One of my favorite parts of the one-day conference was the time I spent with beginning writers.

“Sometimes when I take a walk, God reveals himself to me through my surroundings,” one woman told me. “I’ve started writing these thoughts down. Do you think they’d make good blog posts?”

“I’ve been concerned for a long time about how electronics enable us to be connected, yet we seem to be more disconnected than ever,” another writer said. “Would this be a good topic for a Christian living article?”

A third said, “I love sharing what God is teaching me through his Word. I think I want to start a blog.”

Talking with these new writers reminded me of the early days of my own writing career, when I first felt God calling me to write for him. The realization was both exhilarating and frightening. The tug was unmistakable. To think—God wanted to use me to share his truth through writing. It was very humbling.

I also talked at the conference with writers who were several years down the road from their initial call to write. They’d started a blog, had a few articles published, and attended a writers conference or two. They’ve enjoyed modest success, but they’re not where they’d hoped to be by now.

Instead of feeling exhilarated, frightened, and humbled, they’re feeling small and insignificant. Like one tiny voice in a vast cacophony of words. They wonder if what they write matters at all. Like maybe they should quit and leave the writing to the big dogs.

If you’re one of these writers, if you’re feeling small today, Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) has a word for you:

“Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin.”

Geoff Colvin’s research for Talent is Overrated refers to the ten-year rule which states that talented performers don’t become great “without at least ten years of very hard preparation . . .” He then says, “authors produce their greatest work only after twenty or more years of devoted effort. . . .”

I’ve heard it said, “Life isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.” The same is true about writing. If you’re struggling today, if you doubt your call to write and are feeling small, I’d like to speak to your heart.

Your calling hasn’t changed. Your writing does matter. Thousands may not be reading your words, but one or two are. And one or two still matter to God, the Good Shepherd, who left the 99 to seek after the one. His definition of success has little to do with the number of page views, subscribers, and shares you accumulate. It has everything to do with whether you’ve been faithful with the gifts and abilities he’s given you.

May the promise of Galatians 6:9 inspire and encourage you on days when you feel small:  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Write on, dear friend, write on.

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Remember this when your #writing feels small - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)