“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4
How easy it is to mix up God with His earthly gifts.
I have always been taken with first drafts. Words tumble out, and each new sentence feels worthy of celebration. Only self-discipline seems to stand in the way of assured progress.
At some point in my MFA, I became taken with fine-tuning writing. Editing has the joy of matching output with intention, and the actualization of vision is arduous but rewarding.
However, finding a place in the world for this beloved writing does not depend on self-discipline alone but also on the fickle, unknown opinion of the Other. The Authority. The Reader, Marketer, and Consumer.
And who knows who even wants to give your work the time of day?
And so vision narrows, and approval from the uncontrollable, unknowable Other becomes all you run toward, stumble toward, all you want.
But like writing and editing, publishing is only an earthly gift. And God Himself waits for you to run to Him, to think of Him, and hide behind Him and stand beside Him. His promise of glory with Him eclipses all else.
How can our earthly gifts ever compare?
When I look up, I see the mystery of God’s will unfolding over an imperfect world, and I am a piece of the puzzle that He won’t forget. My writing is a piece that he won’t leave out. Although I might not know how He’ll use it or how He’ll use me, He is higher. He will.
In this world we are destined for disappointment, blessed with moments of joy. But in the New Creation, all our longings will be fulfilled in Him. Though we can’t yet see it, we will.
Lord, teach me to value You above all and to consider You more than Your gifts. My life is hidden in You. Amen.
