The Writing Group

 

Luke stretched his arms up, yawned loudly and put down his pen. He glanced around the small room at piles of papers stacked neatly on the floor like ready soldiers. It seemed there never was quite enough time to write after a day’s work, let alone sufficient peace and quiet away from children and chores.

Research and writing drove him like a mighty wind filling a ship’s sails. He couldn’t explain it. Yes, he loved his job and had been grateful for the opportunity to travel and meet people, but writing fired up a passion to do the best he could and perhaps leave a real legacy. It was a privilege to do it, if he was honest; he was certainly willing to burn the midnight oil to get another page finished.  

Everyone had agreed that the project was exciting when he told them his plans and several friends had cheered him along and made valuable suggestions. As he had pored over the evidence, he had learned so much. The interviews over the past months had been precious and there were documents from numerous sources; he was now noting his key ideas and fixing the big structure. This felt like it could be something very special.

The previous evening had been particularly valuable. A group of fellow Christian writers had met to discuss progress and to pray together. They had all gone over to Paul’s place, taking food to share and stories of their busy lives. God had been active and his Spirit had been guiding and empowering them in different ways. Paul was one of those people who always had a lot to say and he had been explaining his ideas on another long piece he’d been working on. Luke liked to listen to the old guy, who always ate fast and started talking before the others had even finished eating.

These days Paul’s health was not what it had been, and in any case he couldn’t get out now, so he spent hours every day praying and thinking. This was certainly impacting his writing: Paul’s hope was more certain than ever, his understanding of God utterly engaging, his faith crystallising into a template for wise living. Luke felt hope rising whenever his friend talked about God. Paul’s words brought God’s truth to people he hadn’t even met. When he considered Paul’s influence, he realised that although it would be marvellous to have such an impact, he needed to be patient, humble and diligent. For now, he would continue writing whenever he got time, trusting that God would guide him, allowing both his work and his words to bring healing and hope.

The group had listened as the sun set and then prayed for Paul and the work in progress. Luke was encouraged, and hoped he’d get a chance to read a copy of it soon.

Miriam, one of the younger ladies, was a songwriter. Paul was positive about a song she introduced, although he did correct some details. Another lady, Anna, had a son who now lived far away and she wanted advice on how to respond to a letter he had sent. The group did not mind how much experience or eloquence each had – everyone was valued and graciously prayed for.

Luke had given an update on his own work too: it seemed he had enough material for two books, not one. Everyone had cheered at that; their eyes sparkling, their ears open to hear more anecdotes of people’s encounters with Jesus. Luke had read a couple of the shorter stories and someone asked if he had come across a collection of stories put together by a friend of a friend. Luke had written down the name and decided to check the source out when he got the chance.  

The meeting had ended with bread and wine and after the rest of the group had left, Luke had stayed to treat Paul’s wounds. He was happy to treat his injuries for free, but naturally Paul would not let him leave without a blessing.

The light in his room flickered, bringing Luke back to his work. There were corrections and checks to do on the page he was on. He could do a little more now. He offered another prayer and picked up his pen again.

Lucy Marfleet loves reading, laughing, her husband’s cooking, walking her dog and marvelling at how tall the kids are getting. She teaches Biblical Studies for Spurgeon’s College on their Equipped to Minister course and has a Masters in Theology from the International Baptist Theological Seminary. See her blog at www.lucymarfleet.com

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