Writing is NOT a waste of time
How I heard God's call to write
For several years in my twenties, I wondered if writing fantasy stories was a waste of my time and energy. What good did it do anyone? Surely God would want me to do something useful that concretely helped people instead of obsessing over my invented imaginary worlds and characters.
On top of that, I had trouble believing that God would want me to do something that I actually enjoyed. I should do what God wanted and not what I wanted, so maybe that meant giving up writing. Besides, I still hadn’t finished a good version of the book I had been working on since high school. Clearly, I wasn’t an effective writer.
But my heart kept coming back to the desire to write a fantasy novel. I would pray about it again and again. God, what do you want me to do? Should I spend my time this way or not?
While praying in an adoration chapel, I felt a reassuring and peaceful direction to write. And a loving, kind admonition to the effect of: “You keep asking, but you haven’t been listening… I’ve been calling you to write all along.”
Soon after, while working at my day job, a book suddenly fell from the bookshelf above me and landed on my desk: Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales.
St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers.
There were several other confirming signs that week, too, as if to make sure I heard loud and clear. God is the Creator who loves his creation. His invitation to write is an invitation to unity with him in his creativity. It’s worthwhile simply because it’s good, whether my writing reaches people or not.
When I write, I am honoring God by using the gifts and desires he gave me and offering it back to him. He delights in my delight, like a loving parent. Writing is not always fun, but the struggle is part of the offering and still brings me closer to my ultimate goal: union with Jesus.
God decided to hit me over the head with the call to write that week in May, 2011. I have tried not to question it since.
Thank you for reading! If you’re new here, I’m Katelin Cummins, a Catholic writer, book coach, gamer, and fantasy fan. If you would like to know more about what I write, check out this post. If you want help planning, writing, or revising your novel or nonfiction book, check out my services on my website.
I didn't know Francis de Sales was patron saint of writers! Too cool! God is good
This was a great reflection! I recently listened to the audiobook of Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales.