Writing Day

Friday is writing day ~ the day that reading, prayer and study hopefully coalesce and fall onto a page in the shape and sound of a sermon.

The most difficult part is carving out the 3-4 hours of uninterrupted quiet needed for that to happen. Half the interruptions are external; ringing phone, sick kids, kids who need me to visit their classrooms, etc. But the other half are my own; inability to sit still, constant temptation to see what's in the fridge/on the bookshelf/etc.

The best plan I've been able to find is scurrying myself into the corner of some library or bookstore with my laptop cabled to the chair. The spot must be mildly uncomfortable (Barnes & Noble keeps the a/c at about 50 degrees, Borders cafe chairs are horrible, people who sleep at the library tend to snore) so that I am very motivated to get finished.

My text is Romans 5:1-5. Paul says we have peace with God through Jesus, through whom we have gained access to this grace in which we now stand. An old commentary I'm reading describes grace as the treasure house, a grand room full of riches into which we are all brought by God's intention and desire. Our choice is what manner of shopping bag we shall carry in, fill and spend from. Some choose a tiny basket, big enough for a single coin. Others bring their own cart, so wide they can fill it with more than can be spent in a lifetime.

We shall see what the day brings to the page ~ and into hearing this coming Sunday. Blessings! Annette