When we get bogged down in the business of writing, such as promoting our books or querying agents and editors, it's easy to forget what got us in this crazy business in the first place. The spirit-numbing onslaught of daily tasks can overwhelm us. In fact, I've known several people who have given up a writing career because the business tasks ultimately defeated their passion.
Many people start a writing career because they feel a divine calling; they believe God has given them certain gifts that need to be used and shared. If this is the case with you, how do you stay focused on your higher calling? How do you remember what launched you on this adventure, and how do you keep from turning back to shore?
One resource that might help in this regard is the recently revamped Web site from TheHighCalling.org called The High Calling of Our Daily Work. The mission of TheHighCalling.org is:
to be a resource for people seeking to understand and live out the eternal significance (the high calling) of their daily activities. We help lay people see their lives as an opportunity to serve. Service is ministry—wherever God has placed us. We encourage each other to do the best we can for the glory of God.
Each week, this great site publishes one audio message and two articles built around one of the following themes: work and family, gifts and talents, leadership, excellence, integrity, attitude, professional relationships, and service. Those messages remind us, that even when our work is purely secular, we have a higher calling to follow.
You can review their large archive of items, or listen to or read these items to get a better understanding of their concept:
Audio Message: Tim McGuire
Bible Study: When Smart Decisions May Not Be Right Decisions
Personal Story: Where's My Job and Where's My Work?
I personally liked this article on the need for a burning bush (I'm constantly in search of clear signs for my daily work) and the audio message on selling what you love (an important reminder when it comes to book promotion). If you like the audio messages, you can also get them through podcasts.
Check it out. If you like what you see, you can become a member of the service here. TheHigherCalling.org is currently conducting a blog tour, so you can also check out what other people are say by going to these sites:
Gordon Atkinson, L. L. Barkat, Gina Conroy, Craver VII, CREEations, Milton Brasher-Cunningham, Mary DeMuth, Karl Edwards, Every Square Inch, Green Inventions, Amy Goodyear, Marcus Goodyear, Al Hsu, Jennwith2ns, Charles Foster Johnson, Mike McLoughlin, Eve Nielsen, Naked Pastor, Ramblin Dan, Charity Singleton, Stacy, Camy Tang, Writer… Interrupted