Writing brings me life.
I came to this conclusion last week. The first two weeks of January, I was writing at night for a couple hours and producing dozens of pages for writing assignments. And then, they were done (for the time being) and I had a week where no extra writing “needed” to be done. So, I stopped. Except for this daily step in the morning, I just didn’t write all that much.
And the week was hectic with dead car batteries and flat tires but I found I took it all a lot harder than I should have. At the end of the week, I examined my week and I realized what had been missing. This week, in contrast, I had talks to prepare for an upcoming seminar and retreat. I was back to writing in my small spare moments and I was a lot more settled.
Flipping through the #IgnatianPrayerAdventure yesterday, I came across this quote by Rainer Maria Wilke about writing… it seemed to put into words what I was feeling:
“Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.
This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.”
I think this need I feel to write is true for a lot of people in different ways. I have a friend who knows he’s at his best when he’s journaling… and another friend who is at her best when she has plenty of opportunities to talk at length in prayer or with another person on a regular basis. And yet, though we know what we NEED to do to be at ease – how often do we not make time for it?
What is the thing that brings you life? The thing that brings your heart peace and makes you your best for others?
How can you make time for that thing today?
