Into the Fire

So often it seems to be the other way around. Take then give.

“You reap what you sow.” This implies you will receive what you’ve given out or worked toward—planted. In other words you do something first and then there will be a return. People apply this biblical principle to positive methods of the work ethic. Yet we all know it also affects your attitude, your countenance, your actions, and your words.

There are times when you—okay, I’ll make this personal. There are times when I want to see the “sowing” right now. Of the good and the bad. The clock ticks and time pressures me to see results.

The good things? Yeah, I want to reap some kind of “reward” for my writing. Irony? Today I received a letter from a woman I met one time at a function and never expected to hear from again. She’s the mother of a lady who no longer attends the same church as me (they moved). This woman took the time to read my monster book Hope Of Glory which I had given to her because she’s an avid reader. I gave her all the disclaimers, and she seemed thrilled anyway for the opportunity. Her letter made me feel like I’d touched her life, like the story enriched her, and that she was truly impressed. Later today I got a rejection for my seventh novel from an editor I’d spoken with at the conference I attended not too long ago. The blessing before the curse. Softened the blow even though the two novels couldn’t be more different from each other.

The bad things? When people behave horribly, when they’re cruel, vindictive, ugly, and reprobate, I would like to see them face some justice. There is one of those persons in my life right now. One who used to be so close. Now on the fringe. Affecting many vulnerable lives with this destructive lifestyle. Yes, I would like to see some reaping for this sower.

I’d rather give than take, but like most people I’m sure I take when I should give. How ‘bout you?

Father, you know my heart. Help me to keep it clean, the intentions pure. Jesus, you’re all I’m livin’ for . . . In the Name of Jesus, Amen.