Boston Reflections

April 16, 2013 Michelle Griep

The bombing in Boston yesterday definitely puts writing woes in perspective. Dealing with rejection letters. Perplexity about what to do with a stuck plot. Not having a contract or agent or a finished manuscript. Trivial, all.

Tragedy has a way of sifting out that which is temporal. A second before a great accomplishment, none of the marathon runners or spectators knew of the coming carnage about to blow them away.

Neither do we. As I reflect on the stunning display of evil that ripped into the lives of so many, a few thoughts come to mind...

Live in the moment.
Time's too short to wallow in regrets. Repent before God and be washed clean. Neither waste your days pining for what 'might' happen but set your hope on the solid promises found in the Bible.

Write from the heart.
If writing is the plow God's set your hands to, grip it tight and forge ahead, giving it everything you've got. Write the themes and stories God gives you, not what the fickle market dictates. What's trendy now will change.

Most of all, pray.
Pray that God will draw many to Himself, granting life where death has been unleashed.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
²to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.