Ooooo, that is a great question. Apt, actually, because last week someone asked who I felt I was called to write for. I find this might beg a fairly obvious answer (I serve others by writing!), but I really don't think about it exactly in that kind of instrumental, utilitarian way. I think 2 Cor. 8:5 was illuminating for me recently: the Corinthians give themselves first to the Lord, then to others. That is probably how I view it more, rather than I'm "serving up what others need to hear and read." I would also say I think that servanthood, as a kind of frame, allows me to not demand commendation or credit for my writing. Let the publishing chips fall where they may, I guess! This doesn't exactly solve all the angst, though, if I'm being honest!
Beautiful reflection Jen! I share your sentiments regarding guests, Thanksgiving, serving my mother and especially recovery time as I age. Ministry looks different in these later years, realizing that setting a table for others, inviting conversation, providing community whether it’s just one or many is the best way I can serve Jesus. The days of activity with church, other ministries are waning as I age. In fact, your ROL workshop helped me distill the matters that matter most. I’m so grateful for your writing! Peace to you.
That Robert Hayden poem hangs in my bathroom. And I often recite that final line, “What did I know, what did I know, of love’s austere and lonely offices.” Thank you for this lovely reminder.
Only as I have entered the latter 60s did I realize how much my mom has given preparing and serving and cleaning up after Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and a myriad holiday picnics and assorted other meals for our family. I fix and serve a simple dinner for 7 and am wearied by the task. I’m struggling a bit with the realities of aging but your writing has shown me how I can grow in my thankfulness to God as I see what I didn’t see before in His goodness and the depth to which it goes. Thank you!
Preach, sister. xoxo!
Beautiful work as always. How do you think the experience you describe above shapes / informs your calling as a writer?
Ooooo, that is a great question. Apt, actually, because last week someone asked who I felt I was called to write for. I find this might beg a fairly obvious answer (I serve others by writing!), but I really don't think about it exactly in that kind of instrumental, utilitarian way. I think 2 Cor. 8:5 was illuminating for me recently: the Corinthians give themselves first to the Lord, then to others. That is probably how I view it more, rather than I'm "serving up what others need to hear and read." I would also say I think that servanthood, as a kind of frame, allows me to not demand commendation or credit for my writing. Let the publishing chips fall where they may, I guess! This doesn't exactly solve all the angst, though, if I'm being honest!
That is such a helpful perspective, Jen. As always, so very grateful for your willingness to share form your own life “in real time” ♥️;) so to speak.
Beautiful reflection Jen! I share your sentiments regarding guests, Thanksgiving, serving my mother and especially recovery time as I age. Ministry looks different in these later years, realizing that setting a table for others, inviting conversation, providing community whether it’s just one or many is the best way I can serve Jesus. The days of activity with church, other ministries are waning as I age. In fact, your ROL workshop helped me distill the matters that matter most. I’m so grateful for your writing! Peace to you.
Really grateful that the workshop was helpful in the discernment process!
Beautiful encouragement thank you.
Thank you for reading!
Oh my goodness, so beautifully written and so deeply true.
You've also written so beautifully on these themes! I think we might be kindred kitchen spirits!
Thank you, Jen. Yes, we are definitely kindreds!
That Robert Hayden poem hangs in my bathroom. And I often recite that final line, “What did I know, what did I know, of love’s austere and lonely offices.” Thank you for this lovely reminder.
How lovely! It's really a phrase that rings with severe truth.
Loved this Jen! I too have been reading Guite’s Waiting on The Word such a beautiful way to move through and in this season.
Love that you're enjoying it, too!
Only as I have entered the latter 60s did I realize how much my mom has given preparing and serving and cleaning up after Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and a myriad holiday picnics and assorted other meals for our family. I fix and serve a simple dinner for 7 and am wearied by the task. I’m struggling a bit with the realities of aging but your writing has shown me how I can grow in my thankfulness to God as I see what I didn’t see before in His goodness and the depth to which it goes. Thank you!
I'm glad this was helpful in some way, Glenn! God bless you in your kitchen work!