I have always wanted to be a writer; I think. I have always appreciated the pursuit of a simple word, sentence, or story that compresses wisdom so profoundly that it can be gifted to anyone, no matter the level of their literary skills.

One would assume that after writing almost every day (in some capacity) since the age of five, almost 8,766 days ago, I would have somewhat mastered this art. I have not, and I am not sure that I ever will.

While my writing skills have certainly improved in that time, an extensive amount of spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, poor vocabulary, and uninteresting sentences still plague the pages upon which I carve my consciousness, with almost every word demanding more of me.

Apart from the fact that I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my early 20s, have a hard time sitting still, and a huge lack of confidence, it seems to me that words are hardest fought for in the domain of reflection, reflection that clears the fog of a muddled and incoherent mind and paves the way to new ideas and activity.

Reflection weaves a tapestry of wisdom, love, and creativity in us, composed of conversations, books, past experiences, mentorship, and divine utterings.

It inspires us to act again with greater insight and courage.

however, reflection demands a high price for its gifts, mainly attention and humility. Attention that is far more easily given away to cheap moments of entertainment, and humility that would far quicker relent at the altar of pride.

In simple, reflection is not easy, it is expensive but it empowers us to create new and better words, better stories, better worlds.

Whether you want to be a better writer, teacher, baker, or minister, reflect on what you do. Let a tapestry of creativity, love, and wisdom weave in you, and inspire you to take courageous action again.

If you would like to carve out some more deliberate time for reflection, particularly in relation to your faith and its out workings, why not explore our courses and retreats at Ridley Hall?

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