Just Do It

"The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true -- These are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what pleases Christ, and then do it."

Ephesians 5: 8-10 (The Message)

All morning I've been combing the pages of one of my favorite books The Rock that is Higher by Madeline L'Engle, for one of her gems of literary quotes. To no avail I cannot place my finger on it so I will assume it's not her quote. None-the-less, I'll paraphrase the thought for which I assumed was hers:We must seize the day to write what God has placed in us for we never know when the day will come that we are unable to write His story.

I think of this every time I find myself making up excuses not to write. Sometimes it gets me to sit at the keyboard or take out my pen and journal. Other times it's just a source of guilt when I'm totally unmotivated and I find myself praying, "Lord, please give me an extension." Too many requests like that and time will surely catch up with me!

This week has been a time of seizing the day. A time when I've consciously taken the initiative to get back to my desk and write. But, getting the words out on virtual paper has been simply strenuous. Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest says inspiration begins when we take the initiative to move. Once we take that first step, God's inspiration comes and "he immediately gives us the power of life." Well, I've taken the first step but I haven't felt incredibly inspired. But, thanks to my friend Madeline, I think I figured out why. I'm thinking too much.

When L'Engle teaches a writing class she instructs her students to "Write. Don't think." It's not that she advocates stupidity or unsubstantiated literary work, rather she advocates creativity by letting go of the cognitive brain. If we over think an idea or a story it separates us from the transcending creativity of God when we just allow the words to flow. It's okay to think before we write and think after we write but during the writing process L'Engle demands, "Write. Don't think."

So, if God has commissioned a good, right and true work to be written, and Christ has shed light on my path, then it's now time to just do it! This is pleasing in His sight.

What is it God has asked of you? Will you just do it?