There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets in the future. ~ Graham Greene, The Power and the Glory
Was there a certain time in your childhood when you knew what you wanted to do with your life? Maybe you sensed only inklings. Looking back, I can frame the things that brought me joy: Devouring library books with a flashlight under the covers after Mama turned out the lights, filling my diary with tears, throwing my soul into book reports, writing the silly 4th grade play. From the time I learned the alphabet, my fascination with words and the hunger to create caused my heart to flutter. Weird, huh?
Frederick Buechner has stated: “The voice we listen to most as we choose a vocation is the voice that we might think we should listen to least, and that is the voice of our own gladness.”
Has writing called you by name? God plants seeds, even in our childhood, that eventually point us to the future. We need only eyes to see and faith to follow.
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on June 19, 2006 - 3:59 pm
Vicki - thanks for my visiting my blog! Glad you stopped by. I too enjoyed your website. It’s so cozy! I can totally relate to this post of yours - I did all of the above, with the exception of writing a play. I was in spelling bees and cried when I got third place because I wanted first. I remember bawling my eyes out as a little girl because I could’t read yet. I was younger than the average age of a child who learns to read, but saw my older sister reading and just burned inside with the desire to do the same! I taught myself rather quickly and haven’t stopped reading yet =) I’d love to add you to the list of Blogs I read on my page - hope you do the same! Thanks so much! =)
on June 19, 2006 - 6:55 pm
What a blessing this post was to me, Vicki! I, too, read library books under the covers by flashlight!!
My defining moment as a very young child of about eight. I read Louisa May Alcott’s book, Little Women, and knew without a doubt that I wanted to be a writer.
on June 20, 2006 - 1:56 pm
Ah yes! What a joy it was, and still is, to get lost in a great book. And the release I felt as I faithfully wrote, long-handed, in my journal. My journal was my friend, my therapist, and my safe place to fall. I looked forward to each entry knowing that I would leave a better person than when I opened the cover of the notebook. If writing can be so powerful, why do writers approach it with such apprehension!? The same gift received by writing is often received by the reader. It is an interesting phenomenon!
My defining moment has been a life-long journey! Too often, I have stopped listening to the “voice of gladness” and simply shut the door to the future! When I risk vulnerability and share my writing–I am encouraged to stop peeking through the door and freely open it widely without abandon. I’m glad the call of writing and the Call of God–are more persistent than my personal fears!
Diane
on June 21, 2006 - 12:03 pm
Wonderful post, Vicki.
I can still remember the moment I wanted to be a writer. I was reading Rosalind Laker’s “The Smuggler’s Bride” (a historical romance) and when I finished it, I thought, “I want to do this! I can write a book, too!” I was in the sixth grade.
Writing has been an immense part of my life ever since. I have tried to listen to what God wants me to do in my life and I truly believe he wants me to be a writer.
on June 22, 2006 - 10:09 am
Flannery O’Conner suggested that anyone who survived childhood would have plenty of fodder for storytelling. It is strange how our childhood is the plot of ground — the nest — from which everything springs. Thank God that even in our mother’s womb, He formed and called us. Wonderful thoughts, Vicki…especially the Buechner quote.
on June 22, 2006 - 8:06 pm
Vickie!
I loved this post so much!I had to chuckle though as the Graham Greene quote is one that I just posted over at my Yahoo 360 page(think it’s listed under Sharon G. if you want to look at it).I have loved words since childhood.Reading came so naturally to me that I do not even remember learning how.It is as if I just always knew how though I know that is not the reality.I find that funny somehow.I am now journaling and blogging fairly regularly and taking an online writing workshop on how to write Christian Inspiration!I’m having a ball.When I am putting words on paper I feel God’s pleasure.Bless you Vickie.I love coming here and taking a breather and reading what you have posted.It is an oasis for me.Love you.
Blessings,Sharon
on June 22, 2006 - 11:18 pm
Love this: “…listening to the voice of your own gladness.” I must say, I never feel more alive than when I’m wrestling with words! Though I didn’t stand in line for a writing career at first, I always knew that someday I would have to do this. What a happy day when I listened.
on June 23, 2006 - 12:25 am
re: Supernatural Protection
on June 27, 2006 - 3:09 pm
Wow, folks, I’ve fallen behind in my responses. Thanks for visiting and letting me know you were here. Always a blessing!
Betsy A, please come again. Glad you enjoyed the visit and thanks for posting.
Mary, that book was also MY all time childhood favorite. It opened the door to writing as well.
Diane, yes–the call of God and the call of writing is more persistent than all our fears. Thanks for coming by!
Melissa, thanks for sharing that. Step out bolding into the call and write with all your heart.
Mike, yes, I recall Flannery O’Connor saying that, and boy was she ever right! I liked what you reminded us, that He formed us and called us in our mother’s womb. Thanks for the visit and encouragement.
Sharon, I’m glad you can feel God’s pleasure as you write. That’s the joy, isn’t it? Thanks for offering so much of yourself here. I appreciate it.
Violet, me, too, dear friend. More alive when I’m wrestling with words! So glad we share the same devotion.
on April 12, 2007 - 10:20 am
Hi, Vicki, I’m a little behind…came over after a prompt from Bonnie Bruno’s Macromoments. And really, I needed to hear this post today, not so much back when you posted it! I’m printing it off to keep and think about some more. I’m in a place where I’m questioning my purpose in about everything.
Great quote and will try to come back more often. I need to put you in my links.