The Adventurous Life of Writing

God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. (I Corinthians 1:9 MSG)

I haven’t always considered myself adventurous. In fact, I’ve been fearful. Cautious. A play-it-safe kind of gal!

But being married to Bill, I’ve changed. Perhaps his audacious personality has rubbed off on me, helping me try new things, take greater risks.

Like snow skiing—something I attempted as a child, when the possibility of brittle bones was less likely. I was never great at the sport, but I could descend an Ohio mountain with the best of ‘em. After all, I’m from the Midwest, so you get my drift.

As a new mom, I didn’t ski much. But after the kids had grown, someone invited me to try skiing again. Heading to Colorado, I could enjoy some real powder, not to mention real mountains. Brave husband offered to teach me because, let’s be honest, I’d never really learned. 

That was over twenty years ago. And while I haven’t broken a bone or careened down a cliff, I’ve learned some good lessons, several which apply to writing.

Follow a Guide. 

I rarely ski alone. I’m most comfortable, in fact, following someone better than myself. Whether with Bill or another skilled teacher, I’ve grown over the years through the guidance of those who know more.

As a writer, this, too, is true. While I spend most of my time working in solitude, I’m in daily contact with writers who share my love for words—most days with those much more knowledgeable than myself. 

Following the advice of mentors and teachers grows us, guiding us on the path toward our desired end—publication. 

When You Fall, Get Back Up!

Honestly, I’ve had many spills while skiing, and though I’ve never sustained serious injuries, it doesn’t feel good, nor is it easy to get back up. In fact, sometimes it’s downright difficult, making me wonder if I’m too old for the sport.

What to do?

• Rest a moment.
• Rise with help from your poles.
• Move ahead.

Such is the case with writing. We’ve all suffered setbacks. Failures. It hurts, and we want to give up. Who am I? we wonder. Maybe we feel too old. We’re not—and there are others willing to remind us. 

So, what to do?

• Rest. 
• Rise with help from your people.
• Move ahead.

And remember—we won’t accomplish the mountain if we stop.

Encourage Others.

There are a mazillion skiers so much better than me. And yet, there are some who are average, and some just starting out. 

When I’m on the slopes, as much as I sometimes need help from another, it’s good to be on the lookout for those who could use a bit of encouragement—maybe even my assistance.

As a writer, I’m still learning. In fact, I hope to always be a student. But I remember being a beginner with my list of questions and a plethora of insecurities, feeling overwhelmed by the publication process.  

It’s wise, not to mention kind, to watch for those who might benefit from help. Who might we encourage? Inspire? Certainly, we won’t have all the answers, but that shouldn’t stop us. After all, what’s the worst that can happen—we respond, “I don’t know, but I’ll tell you who might”?

Similar to being cognizant of those who need assistance on the slopes, we can offer the same to fellow writers. Even better, we might learn something in the process.

Wear Your Helmet.

I didn’t wear protective headgear until I had an accident. The result?

I didn’t wear protective headgear… 

Just kidding. My brain escaped serious injury, though I was either lucky or had an athletic guardian angel (perhaps both). One thing’s for sure—I learned a valuable lesson. And while there was a season I considered quitting altogether—fearing the sport too risky—I rallied, found my courage, and forged ahead. But now? Never without my helmet.

And I’ve discovered I need protective headgear when writing. After all, where does discouragement begin? When are we most apt to quit, to throw in the towel and tell God, “You can use someone so much better than me to share Your message”?

It starts in the mind. “You’re not as good as her.” “You can’t craft a story as well as him.” Again, get my drift?

Writing is risky business. There are many who’d love to silence God’s message within us, namely the enemy of this world—the one who desires to discourage us, hoping we’ll quit. Therefore, let’s take the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)wear it daily so we’re better equipped to rally, find our courage, and forge ahead to…

Enjoy the Adventure!

These days, the fun mostly outweighs fear, in both skiing and writing. 

Still, do I ever question myself, tempted to play it safe, avoid the possibility of pain? Yes, but I’m reminded—

Our most faithful Guide, the One who’s always there to pick us up when we fall or fail, has called us out of our comfort zones to live with freedom and enjoy the journey. 

Oh, and don’t forget—Jesus, our dearest Friend, will never give up on us! 

So, friends—onward in this adventurous life of writing!