Still working on those final edits for my new book so reaching into the archives today. When I first started this blog four years ago, I wrote the post below and was encouraged by the response it received. So, I've edited it a bit, and I share it again in the hopes that someone might find encouragement for their creative journey.
Several years ago, I heard author, actor, artist McNair Wilson say “Put something into the world everyday that wasn’t there before.”
That simple piece of advice has made a difference in my life by helping me be intentional with my creative efforts. Some days could be one long string of doing endless repetitive things like loading the dishwasher or folding towels, and even the time I spend at the computer, which should be creative time, might turn into checking email and balancing the checkbook. But, I set a goal to write a thousand words a day—a thousand words that weren’t in the world yesterday—a thousand words that can add up over time to be a screenplay or a novel.
Following that advice, by God's grace, over the last eight years, I’ve written four novel manuscripts, six screenplays, several songs, over 450 blog posts, and I don’t know how many articles and devotions all by remembering McNair’s advice. He even helped me find I could be a watercolorist again.
Before I go to sleep at night, I think about what I’ve put into the world that day. It may not have been much. I might think my work less than the best, and no one but God and I may have known what I even attempted. But I remember the words of Paul from Colossians 3, “Whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
So, before I let my thousand words go, I make sure I put them in God’s hands. Who knows the thousand ways he might possibly use them?
If you're struggling creatively, take McNair's advice and set doable incremental goals. You'll be shocked at how quickly God will use your discipline and perseverance to build something larger.
Several years ago, I heard author, actor, artist McNair Wilson say “Put something into the world everyday that wasn’t there before.”
That simple piece of advice has made a difference in my life by helping me be intentional with my creative efforts. Some days could be one long string of doing endless repetitive things like loading the dishwasher or folding towels, and even the time I spend at the computer, which should be creative time, might turn into checking email and balancing the checkbook. But, I set a goal to write a thousand words a day—a thousand words that weren’t in the world yesterday—a thousand words that can add up over time to be a screenplay or a novel.
Following that advice, by God's grace, over the last eight years, I’ve written four novel manuscripts, six screenplays, several songs, over 450 blog posts, and I don’t know how many articles and devotions all by remembering McNair’s advice. He even helped me find I could be a watercolorist again.
Before I go to sleep at night, I think about what I’ve put into the world that day. It may not have been much. I might think my work less than the best, and no one but God and I may have known what I even attempted. But I remember the words of Paul from Colossians 3, “Whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
So, before I let my thousand words go, I make sure I put them in God’s hands. Who knows the thousand ways he might possibly use them?
If you're struggling creatively, take McNair's advice and set doable incremental goals. You'll be shocked at how quickly God will use your discipline and perseverance to build something larger.