Thursdays - Devotions for Writers
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding.” (Prov. 3:13 NIV)
Have you ever really looked at the Serenity Prayer? Most of us are probably familiar with the beginning. But recently, I began to look at the prayer in its entirety and how it may not only apply to my life as a person – and also as a writer. Since then, I’ve posted it next to my desk computer. Read and absorb the following words into your heart, mind, and spirit.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
~ Reinhold Niebuhr
Serenity. The definition is to be without worry, stress, or disturbance – calm and untroubled. Sounds good to me!!! Wouldn’t we all love to have a life filled with serenity?
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
Things we cannot change:
1. Historicals are always hot – no matter what genre we may write
2. A well-written book doesn’t guarantee publication
3. It’s difficult – if not almost impossible - to make a living writing
4. There is tough competition when vying for a contract
5. Success rarely happens overnight
6. It takes time, perseverance, and hard work to write a novel worth reading
7. Everyone is a critic - and not everyone will appreciate our stories or how we write them
8. In order to have our work seen, we must put ourselves out there and be willing to submit to editors and agents
9. Rejection stings
Things we can change:
1. We don’t have to get caught up in what’s hot – and what’s not. We need to focus on what “we” have been called to write and continue believing in God’s timing
2. Instead of having a selfish or jealous attitude, we can cheer on those who do get published – knowing that God gives purpose to all that we do in His name
3. Instead of wishing we were making a fortune with best-sellers, we can be responsible and find alternative ways to make an income and still feed our creative passion
4. We can write to the best of our abilities while striving to learn and grow in the craft
5. We can ask God for the patience and strength to continue, despite disappointments
6. We can focus on pleasing Him instead of obsessing about what others think
7. Regardless of how intimidating it may be, we can talk to agents and editors at conferences
8. When rejection hurts, we can go to God for comfort. But we can also turn to writer friends who understand this journey, and who will offer us support and compassion
What could you add to these lists???
Next week, we'll take a look at the next section of the Serenity Prayer.
Dawn
