Seek
A word in the English Language that I find most intriguing is" seek." It seems to beg its participant into action, eventually illuminating a hidden treasure, a supreme reward, or perhaps even an unwanted recompense. It is much stronger than just looking. To truly seek one must apply effort, and passion, thus acquiring precise purpose and direction. It's no wonder that in scripture it's one of the most commonly repeated phrases, "seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you." I would like to contain its meaning even further to the inner soul of a person who wishes to write.
In my opinion, the greatest attribute of an author, is their drive to "seek." It's up there even to rival our efforts to be better companions to our spouses, or more faithful sons and daughters of God. The "seeking nature" of an author never sleeps. Deep down we have this super powered engine--this yearning to build, to bless, excite, and touch. It drives us daily to read books of a similar genre to the one we're writing. We further our education in English literature, creative writing, and other writing classes. We continually read books on how to become an author. We attend writing conferences, listen to successful authors, and seek editors and agents. We talk to friends, and draw from their feedback and support. We Facebook and Twitter. We create our own website and blog. We jot down notes at work or when were out and about. We plan our days so we can get a little writing in, and not let the scene in our mind diminish. We spend the days pondering, hoping and wishing. Finally, we drop to our knees, knowing we need help, and we trust that our Loving Heavenly Father will look kindly upon our efforts.
And he does hear our prayers. The culmination of a scene that once seemed formidable bursts into our mind, the protagonist is able to accomplish his goal, and stills smells like a rose, the antagonist takes its opposition on a completely different path that's even more suspenseful and it all comes together! And we, we recognize that our prayers were answered. We feel the inspiration and the peace. We feel the still small voice. We feel his kindness and his love.
I am confident that these blessings, this communion with our Heavenly Father through our efforts to write, mirror the efforts we apply daily in our lives to come unto Christ. It's simple! So simple the answer is found in a well-known hymn written by Loren F. Wheelwright--an unassuming organ and piano player and teacher.
Verse 1 Oh, may my soul commune with thee And find thy holy peace;
From worldly care and pain of fear, Please bring me sweet release.
2 Oh, bless me when I worship thee To keep my heart in tune,
That I may hear thy still, small voice, And, Lord, with thee commune.
3. Enfold me in thy quiet hour And gently guide my mind
To seek thy will, to know thy ways, And thy sweet Spirit find.
4. Lord, grant me thy abiding love And make my turmoil cease.
Oh, may my soul commune with thee And find thy holy peace.
Does this sound like you as you write your MS? Wow! The blessings that are ours as we truly seek! Could there be anything greater than communing with Father in Heaven, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?
I needed this "pick-me-up" during a difficult time in my writing. Maybe it will help some of you. Just know that you're writing naturally exudes "seeking" in all its valor. Take courage! Enjoy the blessings, and keep seeking to get those yearnings of your soul on paper!