Why Write?

One of the question  people have asked me lately is “why do you want to write?” The only answer I have for them is, “because I can’t not write.”  We all have a need to communicate and writing is the way I want to do it, maybe because I’m not much of a talker.

I am compelled to write like my grandchildren are compelled to dance when they hear music. When the come to my house, they always want me to turn on the juke box so they can dance. The dancing then compels them to laugh. Even little Natalie, who can’t even walk will begin to bounce and giggle when she sees the others doing it. The music seems to bring their joy to the surface. Writing brings my emotions to the surface.

I have been writing for years but have never really felt the need to share it with others until recently. As I reflect back on my life, I recognize God has been very faithful to me. Not only has He blessed me tremendously, but He has been my strength during the difficult times of life. He has taught me some valuable lessons.

I recognize  my vocabulary is limited, my writing technique far from perfect and my ideas sometimes irrelevant to anyone but me, but that is okay. I am writing because God has filled my mind and my heart so full, I have to pour it out someway and this seems to the best way for me. If He can use my words to help someone else that will make me happy too.

There may be a selfish reason why I want to write too. Anne Frank explained it best when she said, “I want to go on living even after my death. And therefore I am grateful to God for giving me this gift, this possibility of developing myself and of writing, of expressing all that is in me.”

As a hospice nurse, I recognize that many people come to the end of their lives and wonder if they will be missed and remembered.  My children and grandchildren may not remember anything I ever said to them but I hope they never forget how much I loved them. And maybe if I leave behind a few encouraging words for them, it will help to make their lives a little bit richer.

“This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.” Psalms 102:18