By Loretta Eidson, @lorettajeidson
The moment we take our first breath, the dash of life begins. It picks up momentum and soars through the years. Therefore, it’s what happens between the first and last breaths that matter most. Whether it’s the birth of a newborn, the decision to follow Christ, or a new job, project, or novel. Each of these requires first steps, new choices, and fresh starts.
We presently live in the blank space of the dash. Think about it. What impressions will we make on our families, friends, and co-workers or our readers, fellow writers, agents, or publishers? What legacy will we leave behind?
When we press forward each day pursuing our goals and dreams, we hope to tell and live a story: one that shows determination, commitment, courage, resilience, and strength. Our integrity or the lack thereof doesn’t go unnoticed.
In the old Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, George had no idea he’d impacted an entire city by his honesty, love, and friendship. In this same way:
- We’ll never know how many people are watching us or the lives our actions, reactions, and attitudes will affect.
- We’ll never know the encouragement we give others just by being friendly, kind, generous, and compassionate.
- We’ll never know the number of transformations that take place in the lives of others by one affirmative action or statement made in a crowd or the effects of our novels, blogs, and articles.
- We’ll never know how many are reading and watching our social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and others, and forming a positive or negative opinion about us.
The “dash.” Maybe we’ve never considered it’s depth, and yet, when you go to a funeral this space is what people say about you, think about you, and how they remember you. It’s not enough to just be a good person; we want to be unforgettable in a positive, Christlike way. Only Christ can instill the love necessary to impact the world for him and anoint our writing to reach beyond the borders of our cities.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8 NIV)
Take a look at the “dash” in your writing life and ask these questions:
- How do I want others to see me as an individual and fellow writer?
- What is my motive for the countless hours spent putting words on a page?
- Am I striving to be the influence/witness God intended me to be?
- Am I confident that my conversations are upbeat and enlightening?
- Do I place myself above others because of successes or accomplishments?
- Do I treat others with respect, regardless their social status or whether they’re published or unpublished?
We impact other’s lives whether we realize it or not. Just like George, who thought his life meant nothing, miraculously discovered he’d made a positive, lasting impression on his hometown. In fact, he saved his town from deceit and greed. His actions in life were valuable in ways he never imagined.
We live each day in solitude writing away at our computers, and yet, the words we write can form tentacles to reach around the world.
We can make those same lasting impressions. So, what will they be?
What will your “dash” look like when all is said and done?
Loretta Eidson writes romantic suspense. She was a double finalist in the 2017 Daphne du Maurier contest, won second place in the 2017 Catherine, first place in her genre in the 2014 Novel Rocket Contest, a 2013 and 2015 semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis contest, and finalist in ACFW’s 2014 Genesis.
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