by Judith Couchman

I write the first sentence and trust in God for the next.—Laurence Sterne

Jesus told a poignant parable about a man who built his house on a rock. The rains descended, streams rose, and winds battered the house, but it didn’t fall. The foundation held firm.

He compared this to a man who built his house on the sand. Again, rains pummeled the earth, streams overflowed, and winds toppled the house with a crash.

The great teacher then warned about metaphorically building a life on solid ground versus shifting sands. He admonished his listeners to build their lives on spiritual principles that won’t fail or crumble during hardship (Matt. 7:24-27). And we’re to participate in His kingdom, not build our own (Jn. 18:36). Sometimes as writers, we can forget this.

A writing life compares to the proverbial two houses. If you construct a career expecting money, recognition, promotion, and outstanding sales, you’re standing on shifting sands. Although none of these aspects are inherently bad, depending on them to prove your worth as a writer will fail. The industry changes, manuscripts get rejected, social networking fails, and critics look for flaws. On the other hand, if you’re called by God and offer your work as a sweet-smelling offering to Him, publishing’s winds won’t demolish you.

Build your writing life on a dependable spiritual foundation that weathers personal storms. You’ll keep writing, no matter the outcome.

Judith Couchman is currently writing the book, 365 Ways to Keep Writing & Loving It, available in time for Christmas through Elk Lake Publishing. She is an author, speaker, writing coach, and adjunct professor. Judith has traditionally published more than 42 works.  Learn more about her at www.judithcouchman.com. Write to her at judith@judithcouchman.com.

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