Did You Remember Your Gift?

The first Mid-South Christian Writers Conference is now a part of our shared memories. 

What a great time we had! We made new friends, plotted social media strategies, and crammed in everything we could about how to publish, write, and GET OUT THERE.

Before our enthusiasm cools, we need to channel that excitement into . . . uh, work.

God has called us. He's equipped us. We have each other for pep talks and encouragement. Now it's up to us. Where do we go from here?

During the workshop I taught, I encouraged the class to remember that we've all been given a special gift.

But the gift of writing is sometimes left on the shelf of a dark closet, in a room we rarely go in to. 

It's time to open the door, flip on the light, and embrace our beautiful gift!

As our gift is unwrapped, the bright-colored paper and curly ribbon will fall away. We might frown at the plain brown box underneath. And when the top of the carton is lifted, disappointment could follow as we realize our gift is in pieces.

Like my kids' favorite Christmas toys, our gift could have tedious instructions and need careful crafting to put it all together.

As a hoped-for puppy, our gift may need feeding and care. Although we might love our gift and nurture it, we could get back something we don't want. Something like what's left on the puppy's newspaper and needs throwing out. Quickly.

On a classier note, our gift could be a hidden gem, like an antique chandelier that needs gentle polishing before it sparkles with light.

Writing needs to be well-crafted, clean, and polished. Most of all, our gift of words should bring understanding, beauty, and truth into the world.

So there's work to be done. With a plan for success, our wild Twister game becomes Stratego.

Ready to unwrap your gift?

---Blessings,

     Jeris