Writing was never one of my strong points. When I was at secondary school last century my English teachers despaired of me. I have good reason to believe all my teachers despaired. To give you an example of how bad I was, a recollection might be helpful.
When I sat the University Entrance English exam, one of the requirements was to review the years “set texts”. This part of the syllabus had escaped my attention, so I set about reviewing the only book I had any knowledge of, “Jaws”! The problem was I hadn’t read it either, I had only seen the movie. So I gave a detailed account of the book based on the movie. I came unstuck, however, trying to recall the author, so I wrote, “Stephen Spielberg” - he wasn’t the author!
Despite my previous disinterest in things written, I have fully accepted text as a friend in recent times. I now carry a notebook with me because I have taken to writing down whatever comes to mind or catches my attention. I also write down what I’m thinking in regards to the various issues that are usually plaguing my mind.
The effects of this habit are twofold. Firstly, I can recall a great deal more of the events and thoughts of the day. And secondly I have a much clearer view of my state of mind.
Every day I receive graced moments that I take for granted. It can be as simple as a good coffee, a short but stimulating conversation, or the hormonally induced experienced of feeling good about something I have done well. If I don’t record these things they can get lost in a sea of negative experiences. For me, they are God “moments” that need to be grasped otherwise they evaporate away from my life. I now wonder how much good I have missed in life simply because I fail to remember?
Likewise, I have discovered in writing that my thinking is not always as rational as I have believed. Because I’m an introvert by nature I tend work things through in my mind. I have learned this to be a risky activity. Often when I write my thoughts down and then read them back, they read like the thinking of a mad man. Maybe it’s true. Yet this simple act helps me see my thoughts from the outside. And it’s a helpful view.
One biblical writer wrote “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” That is, don’t allow your thinking to demolish the very best God has for you day by day.
Interestingly, Maori Tikanga and biblical stories have a similar aim: if we forget the past, we cripple the present and become blind on the path to the future.
Our lives are made up of days added upon days. What we “make of” and “take from” each day will add up to what our lives are now.
If it weren’t for my writing where would I be?
© Digby Wilkinson 2007