Genre – Daily Life

I sat at my desk, in front of my computer, typing words, structuring sentences, deleting and rewording. I pictured my audience in my mind as I decided how I wanted to express the facts.

I wasn’t working on a creative devotional or poem. This was the outworking of my morning so far. I’d received an early call from one of our church family who is also a friend. Her son – a severely disabled young man aged 29 had suddenly passed away that night. My morning was reshaped into visits, calls and now I was sat behind my computer with the job of sending out the sad news to the rest of the church. My audience were those who knew and loved him as well as those who had little or no contact. I wanted to write something that was honouring of his life, his unique relationship with the Lord and to break the news in a pastorally sensitive way. All in a few sentences.

I realised afresh that this for me is really important. There are days or even weeks when I don’t have as much time to write devotionals, poetry or the things that I dream will impact a wider audience. There is another genre I would recognise called daily life. My everyday writing is varied, thankfully it isn’t often about something so big or sad. When I’m writing to our church family, I want people to feel they are part of the journey when new things are being introduced, to help them to understand and to anticipate the questions they need answering. I want my words to be kind and concise. I need God’s wisdom and gifting as much for this as for my more creative pieces.

We know how powerful words are, whatever their context and what a difference a word of encouragement can make to our days. So, even if you are struggling today to find time for your WiP – why not take a few minutes to send a text, card or e-mail to someone with some words that will bless them and make their ordinary day a little less ordinary.  May our words be a channel of God’s grace, love and blessing in all parts of our lives.

 ^‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’

                                                                                                              1 Thessalonians 5 v 11

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.