The Why Within

I’ve tried to write this Why post a few times and realized it’s difficult because this is a topic I usually discuss over coffee or dinner with someone. One of those topics that’s personal and deep and best had when you can meet eyes across the table and know that, although we might not agree, there’s still warm affection reflected there. 

Unfortunately in writing, we don’t have the luxury of sitting at the same table. But I guess we have a different kind of connection. One where we get to peek inside one another’s minds, if we chose to be transparent, and see the soul within. 

I’ve written before about My Why. Why I write. Why it matters to me. The struggle to read as a kid and the awe when it finally clicked and I discovered other worlds inside the pages of books. (Side note, there’s a debate between my sister, her husband, and I about which book he actually first handed me, Eye of the World or one of David Edding’s books. I honestly don’t remember at this point but I suspect my brother-in-law is right that it was Eye of the World. But that’s off the current topic now )

However, there’s another, even deeper Why that I don’t often talk about because it’s so, so personal. It touches on the core of who I am in all matters of life. 

You see, I’d write even if I never shared my stories because it’s a form of worship for me. I used to think this was weird. How can putting fictional stories on paper somehow draw my soul closer to the One who created me? It seems frivolous. 

But then I realized, God’s a creative being. And he loves stories. Half of Jesus’ words in scripture are stories. And the first indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was over the man commissioned to create the artwork for the tabernacle. To create beautifully cut stones, wood engravings, and works of gold, silver and bronze and more. (That’s in Exodus 31:1-6 if you’re interested.) 

Tolkien called us ‘sub-creators’ because we’re made in the image of God and when we create, we’re reflecting the beauty, complexity, and power of the One who created us. I love this. 

Perhaps you don’t believe any of this. If we were sipping coffee together I’d smile and ask, “What do you believe?” or “Why do you love writing/reading/or whatever it is that’s your passion?” and we could have a conversation. Not to argue or change each other’s minds, but to understand each other and have a deeper connection as human beings. 

But, since I don’t have that luxury and I’m inclined to share the entirety of this writing journey, I instead share here and hope my affection speaks in the transparency of my words and the joy storytelling brings me.

Maybe you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and if you’re feeling so inclined, share a bit of what your passion is in the comments below. 

Blessings,

Jennifer

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