Fellow Writers
Approaching People with Care Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays
Recently, I joined several other writers at a well-published author’s home, sharing stories and writing tips. What a treat to fellowship with other writers! We understand each other. But walking into the room, knowing only one other woman there, I was careful how I conducted myself. Later, your Seriously Write hostesses shared lunch to discuss our lives, our hearts, and our hopes. We laughed and related. Such a blessing. We’ve taken the time to cultivate a relationship with each other. We trust each other. We know how to relate with each other, but we still approach each other with care.
I watched an interview lately on DVD where the cast of a show sincerely praised one of their guests as being a nice guy. Everyone readily agreed. If people were to offer a one word descriptor of you in your absence, what would it be?
I can be prompt and current with all my responsibilities, but if I’m abrupt in my interactions, what good is it?
I can be known for keeping my writing deadlines, but if everyone else in my life suffers, have I really succeeded? What about trusting God with what’s on my plate and being gracious to those around me?
What is the one word you’d like people to use in referring to you? Live that word. Is it loving? Genuinely care for people. Is it relatable? Put others above yourself. Is it friendly? Be a friend. Years ago, I desired to be warm. Seeing others exuding grace and warmth baffled me. I’d always had so many guards up, I couldn’t understand how these people so freely, genuinely made others feel secure, just by being warm. Honestly, I’m unsure people would call me warm, even now, but I’m working on it. (By the way, the best way to become something is to study that facet in God’s character. You become what you see.) (2 Corinthians 3:18) To me, warmth is Christ-like, after all, it’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.
We all know the writing life, the writing calling, just as with the Christian life, is one of refining. What areas has God been highlighting in your character? He’s been at work in me in many areas, and it’s funny how they’re all related.
Publishing is a small world. We want to make a positive, Christ-like impression and maintain it. To be consistent with our family, our community and others in the writing world. That way we can approach people intentionally, “care”-fully, lovingly, genuinely. And in that God is glorified. It’s all in our approach to life, to people, to our calling, and to other writers.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
(Psalm 90:17 NKJV)
