While preparing my story for Christmas with Hot Apple Cider, I was reminded that writing requires perseverance.
A mother’s faith is rewarded when a Salvation Army family shows up at her door.
My story in Christmas with Hot Apple Cider is about an event that happened when my husband Glen and I were working with the Salvation Army in France some years ago. But what I want to talk about here is why I make time—yes, make time—to write.
As I was reading through one of my gratitude journals, looking for inspiration, a recurring theme was my writing and writing-related activities. Since I know that many people who want to write struggle with finding time, I thought it might be interesting to see why I keep doing it even when it’s a struggle to find the time.
Read my journal entries:
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 – Thank You for the opportunity to pick up my copies of Hot Apple Cider, in which I have a story.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 – Thank You that once again last night You provided the opportunity for me to write my blog for The Word Guild for this morning. Thank You that as I sat before the computer and prayed, You provided the inspiration for the blog and when Glen read it, he suggested that I also use it for devotions at work.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 – Thank You that I was able to leave a copy of Hot Apple Cider at the bookstore in Pointe Claire Shopping Centre and the clerk put it in a prominent place. Thank You for the kindness and trust of the clerk there.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 – Thank You that I was able to leave four copies of Hot Apple Cider at the Christian bookstore in the mall. Thank You for the lady there and for the time she takes to serve her customers.
Thursday, April 17, 2008 – Thank You that Ray Moulton wrote and told me that they no longer want my column in The Salvationist. Thank You that I will be freed up to do other writing and You will help me to see what that is and when it should be done.
Tuesday, April 22 2008 – Thank You that I was able to complete my last assignment for the spiritual life column in The Salvationist. Thank You that You will show me what is next.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 – Thank You for the way that N. J. and Wendy provided all the tools we need to make Hot Apple Cider known to others.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 – Thank You for the gift that You have given me for writing. I know it is a gift from You because when I read over some things that I have written, I know that they are better than I could have done without You. Thank You for the encouragement that has been coming to me to continue to write. Thank You for the note from Alison Walter, a person I respect so much, who encourages me to keep writing.
Saturday, May 10, 2008 – Thank You that I was able to suggest in a very natural way that Suzanne, my hairdresser, buy Hot Apple Cider for her mother for Mothers’ Day. Since she told me that her mother is religious, I suspect she is praying for her, and that You will use me and others You send her way to answer her mother’s prayers that Suzanne will come to You.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 – Thank You that I was able to make an attempt to prepare something for the blog and for devotions at work next week. Thank You that You reminded me this morning that this was undertaken with supplication from You. Thank You that You enable me to write and empower me to influence others by my writing. I know that if I do it in my own strength, it does not have the same power to encourage people to open themselves to You. Thank You that Joyce (who I hardly knew) felt she could call me and that I was able to pray with her on the phone. Thank You that You will meet her needs and uphold her.
From these entries, covering a three-month period while I was employed full time, I note how both the desire and opportunities to write constantly surfaced in my life, along with helpful encouragement and admonition. As writers, we can sense a great responsibility and discover incredible joy in writing out of our passion in the midst of our everyday lives.
That is what made me squeeze out writing time in the midst of a busy schedule to share my story, “I Knew You Would Come” for the new book, Christmas with Hot Apple Cider.
Eleanor Shepherd, from Pointe Claire, Quebec, has more than 100 articles published in Canada, France, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Thirty years with The Salvation Army in Canada and France, including ministry in Africa, Europe, Haiti and the Caribbean, furnished material for her award-winning book, More Questions than Answers: Sharing Faith by Listening. Eleanor also co-authored Why Families? with her husband, Glen Shepherd. Eleanor recently retired from being a pastor in Montreal with The Salvation Army.
Your story, “I Knew You Would Come”, in CHRISTMAS WITH HOT APPLE CIDER was uplifting to read. How often do we miss out on helping because we are in such a rush and so involved in many worthwhile activities? Wearing your uniform, as when I wear the collar, may make some people uncomfortable, but it also is an invitation. Your invitation, aided by the SA reputation for helping, did not let the needy persons down. Reading your journal snippets gives me the impression of a life lived in gratitude, (even for one situation which many could have taken as a personal blow; thank God for a wider perspective!) surely the way in which we are to live, as Christians. Though it is not why we are called to do it, countless times, our own giving of self and/or needed care/items has ended up as a blessing to ourselves, as well. Another reason for gratitude!