A Gift to Share

I think of encouragement when I remember my high school English teacher. A recent invitation to her 60th wedding anniversary celebration sent me reflecting on my past; the chalkboard dust, rustling papers, and a teacher who looked beyond the next day’s assignment. Mrs. McConnell was a consistently good and fair teacher. And she encouraged me to become a writer.

I remember once my teacher handed back an American Lit assignment she’d corrected, and then said loud enough for all to hear that I’d written a very good paper. When a classmate snickered and accused me of using “a bunch of big words,” I was embarrassed, but Mrs. McConnell replied, “No, her writing is very understandable and she has a good flow to her story.” She encouraged me in that moment, and then went even further when she pulled me aside one day and asked if I’d ever considered being a writer. The idea was so unexpected I said, No, I had not, and felt her disappointment, though I was too shy to pursue the topic with her. Regardless, the possibility had taken hold. I never forgot her words and I held on to the gift of encouragement she had given me.

The flame, that desire to write, was never extinguished. And though my novel writing had to wait while I worked, did ministry, raised my babies, and home schooled, my letters and journaling reflected the burning embers of that dream. In fact, I found the phrase, ‘Be a Writer,’ on my bucket list from a journal entry written nearly twenty years ago.

Eventually I reached a new season in my life. With my children grown, and more free time on my hands, I thought about Mrs. McConnell’s encouragement to me in the classroom long ago. But was I too old now to get started on that dream?

I remembered an article by author George MacDonald who said too many people write and preach before they’ve lived enough life to have words worth sharing. At more than half a century old, I felt more than qualified and took encouragement from his words. When a friend casually mentioned a Northwest Christian Writers Conference being held in a city near my home, I leaped at the opportunity to attend. Since then, I’ve learned about craft in several writers workshops, I’ve learned the humility of critique groups, and I’ve learned about the importance of networking. I’ve finished a draft of my first novella thanks to a writers workshop called “From Start to Finish,” taught by author Darlene Panzera. I also have more ideas for future stories. While writing is a solo sport, I’ve realized the importance of having other writers who can teach and share their gifts with you, and yes, offer that gift of encouragement.

So, who has encouraged you in your dreams? Likewise, who can you encourage? “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) In whatever season of life you find yourself, it’s not too late. Remember God’s timing. Whether you want to write, paint, become a missionary, teach, travel, know that the possibilities are endless because God put these unique desires inside each of us. Make your “bucket list.” Fan into flames the embers within you. And encourage others when given the opportunity.

By the way, at the 60th wedding anniversary party, I thanked Mrs. McConnell for her encouragement and shared with her that I was finally writing. To my delight, I had discovered that her granddaughter and I had been part of the same writers workshop for six months. I feel as though I’ve come full circle from that classroom so long ago and I am in awe as I see God’s big picture, and His hand of encouragement on me, through the words and actions of so many. Now I offer you that same gift, to follow your dream.