by Roxanne Hicks
My husband and I live on the edge of the Rocky Mountain range and are blessed with abundant wildlife which also call this home. On any given day, we’re likely to watch a variety of animals scamper, or amble, through our pastures.
One morning while sipping my coffee, I witnessed a good-sized flock of wild turkeys pick a path up the hill through brambles and brush, cross the road, traipse up another slope, and halt. The lead turkey seemed to ponder the options before flying back down the hill, across the road, and to our field again. One by one the others followed. The first turkey repeated the same path up the hill, across the road, but at the top of the slope, chose a different trail which wound through an apple orchard. Most of the flock followed.
I enjoyed observing the turkey reason out a problem. The plan made great sense. If you don’t want to go down that trail, start over. All the way to the beginning if necessary.
As a writer, I was impressed with the wisdom offered by these simple creatures.
My husband is a gifted musician. His specialty is the keyboard, but he plays several instruments. His grandfather played for Lawrence Welk, the popular big band leader, decades ago.
He could have and should have pursued a career in music, but he chose a different path. He plays for church as the worship leader. I love evenings when he plays for hours on end, just for us. From the 50s and 60s rock to country and contemporary, to Christian music, he makes it all sound great.
My husband also writes music––––just to play for the pleasure of playing. Many of his creations are so masterful, moving, inspiring, I’d like the world to hear them. But, no. He plays for the Lord. He plays to worship the Creator Who gave him the music. He uses his talent to worship, giving back the beautiful gift.
As Christian writers, shouldn’t we do the same? How do we offer that beautiful gift back to God? We are bombarded with tips on building a platform, attracting a fan base, promotions, sales, climbing the best-seller ranks. Sometimes I find myself drowning in the noise and forget why I write.
I never want my story to take any other trail except the path which leads my readers to a closer walk with my Savior.
I’ve been tempted. Yes, I’ve considered throwing in some sizzle and scenes that blush. I could do it. That is a sure bet for sales. Yet, it’s not me and it’s not what I was called to write. Like the wild turkeys, time to get back down the hill and find the correct path.
I want to lead my readers to a place where tears fall, hearts melt, and minds catch fire to embrace the wonderful gift we’re offered as His kids.
I need to be real. Preaching four paragraphs from the Bible word for word, while noble, doesn’t work in fiction. My characters have to go through the trials and arrive at the necessary conclusion on their own. Readers need to feel the pain of mistakes and share the triumph of conquest.
Like my husband with his music, I want to write to offer a beautiful gift of worship. Pure. Precious. Priceless.
When my path is finished, I want to hear my Savior tell me, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Roxanne Hicks has been writing from childhood and has been published since 1984. She enjoys writing historical fiction and romantic suspense, and just finished her tenth novel. Visit Roxanne at roxannedeehicks.com.
Comments 2
An important post, Roxanne. Writing as a gift of worship, yes!
I live in a suburban area in a valley along the Rocky Mountains. Every year around Thanksgiving, a flock of wild turkeys wander down my neighborhood for a few days or a week, so I can relate. They are such amusing birds to watch.
Anyway, so much truth. I’ve always been a creative person and have dabbled in music sometimes, so I think that’s pretty cool you have a musically gifted husband. Such a blessing to spend your days with someone who is not only a fellow creative but holds the belief that worship is an act of service and a life well lived.