The Undiscovered Country

Be Intentional

One of my most frustrating qualities as a writer is I wait for inspiration. I sit at my computer, watching that infuriatingly patient cursor blink at me, and expect a lightning-bolt of creativity to spur my fingers to type fantabulous stories.

You'd think after years of doing exactly that, I'd realize it rarely happens.

Does a photographer sit on the porch waiting for rare wildlife to saunter through the yard, or does he seek it out?

I need to seek out inspiration, to be intentional about it. To go places outside my comfort zone, to even talk to people I normally wouldn't. To read more books both inside and outside my favorite genres. I often find my creativity goes into overdrive spouting new ideas for stories when I'm reading.

Last week I attended a meeting of other volunteers for my church's upcoming restart of kid's ministry (Sunday school).

The director, Suzanne, encouraged us to be intentional in our faith. It means reading and studying the Bible, attending both Sunday services (which many volunteers set aside due to volunteering for the children during most services), as well as participating in small groups.

That's another area where I wait for inspiration to grow my faith. I expect God to talk to me, but I don't stop to talk to him first. I don't read my Bible as much as I should.

Oddly enough, I sometimes find the Bible intimidating. There are so many stories, so many books, I often don't know where to start. Should I start at the beginning with Genesis, the New Testament gospels, Paul's letters?

It's wrong-headed to even think that way. God knows what I need, so honestly, wherever I start is where I need to be. As long as I'm intentional about it.

I am reading "Jesus on Trial" by David Limbaugh. He puts Jesus and the Bible on trial to prove their authority. And he did his research. Even from a historical perspective, it's interesting stuff. He wrote it mostly for atheists -- he used to be one -- but even Christians will find it bolstering. Sometimes I need my own proof that Jesus is real and the Bible as a whole is authentic, both historically and as a means to bring us closer to God. I can be more confident when talking to others who also have doubts.

I'm sick of social media. Although I'm pointing out my own hypocricy here because of my previous entry, everyone has to spout their opinons on a certain topic. They make such a big deal out of it as if it affects their own life when in a few weeks most people won't remember or even care. It gets to be beyond tiresome.

Whatever a clerk does in a state I've never been is really none of my concern. Sure, I can have a bit of intellectual fun talking about what someone does -- right or wrong -- but if I'm tired of others doing it, surely others want to grit their teeth when I do the same.

Therefore I'm going to stop and instead write about the things that do affect me.

We'll see how long it lasts, because who doesn't like to arm-chair quarterback?