Chariots Of Fire from Anchorsaway Ministries on Vimeo.
I’m never
going to be a famous writer. But the
idea of fame completely misses the mark.
It. Is. Not. Even. Close. I won’t
be famous because I won’t leave my life and live out of a car ( a la Steven
Pressfield) with only essentials and a lap-top to spend all my time typing up
stories and writing my first novel. I
won’t be an Annie Dillard stealing away to a cabin for a year to write. So many authors have stories like this. But I confuse the act for the art. I miss the heart of the writer which is the
reason they break away. The art drives
them.
My search
for a Pressfield quote led me back to The War of Art. I am reminded; the art is the most important
thing. I write to write. I’ve been writing since junior high school (a
poem was a great way to sway a girl to go out with you). Through junior high and high school I kept a
journal. I am compelled to put pen to
paper, a need to process and synthesize life with ink.
The
struggle is to make time for family, and bills, and all the life interruptions
while still writing. This is where I
feel I’m not dedicated or disciplined enough.
I choose other things over writing.
One doesn’t become a famous writer without writing.
Its not
about fame. Its about creating. God is a creator. We are created in His image. Using what we’re given blesses Him that gave
it. Through my writing others come
alive! The pursuit of fame is a dead
end. Pleasure is the right pursuit. I am reminded of two quotes from the film,
“Chariots of Fire.”
Harold Abrahams: If I can't win, I won't run!Sybil Gordon: If you won't run, you can't win.”
Eric Liddell: I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
I choose pleasure and hope you are lifted along as well.
