Reason Enough

When I told my friend Barbara I'd just ordered Mary Pipher's book, Writing to Change the World, she asked, "You want to change the world?" Is there any better reason to write than to find some dark corner and turn on the light?

I turn to the written word for encouragement, comfort, education, advice. I am swayed by the words I read, so I know my words can sway others. I want to leave a little kindness when I'm gone -- and maybe a smile, maybe an "ah-ha" moment. I want others to know they are valuable, that their lives are purposeful. I can do that with the written word. And hugs. But those are best delivered in person.

I don't have to write volumes for my words to find their mark or to be effective. "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). This is true for words aptly written.

Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." May my writing endeavors be from a heart of love.

11/29/08