Racing with your neighbour

Last week I had the privilege of driving my aunt and uncle to an appointment. As we started out my aunt asked what I'd been doing that day. I told her I had just finished writing an exciting chapter in a novel I was working on and a woman had just been kidnapped. The man who loves her was racing to save her.

My aunt's immediate response was: "So right now your mind is in the race with him."

And that's exactly how I felt -- about a character in an imaginary world. His heart was beating fast. So was mine. All he could think about was her and all I could think of was how his adrenalin was pumping. Even after closing my laptop my pulse and blood pressure was up as I wondered what would happen next.

That may sound odd but it's true. Crazy admission but ... I don't outline anything when I write. I simply start typing and see what happens next. When I end up with a book I'm just as surprised as everyone else. In author world this is not looked upon as efficient but alas, I write the way I'd watch a movie play out and when I watch a show I don't want to know the end of it until it's time either.

This got me thinking about real life. (Yes, I still know the difference but, arguably, it is a slippery slope.)

Do I run the race with others or am I a solo act? I must admit, especially as I've gotten older, I like doing my own thing but I know that's not necessarily a good idea and often not a right one.

When I was working as a nurse I knew I was helping people but since retirement I do much less of that and it feels a bit unsettling. I mean, I won't deny it's fun inside my imagination but I really do like real people more.

Although we are to run our own race and fulfill the mission God has called us to do, there are many more passages that speak about doing for others, helping others and loving others.

God knew we would need people, both for us to help and those to help us. It started in Genesis and works it's way all the way to the end.

As I put my imaginary friends aside, I'm asking myself today ... am I running my life's race with others or am I running just for myself? I'd like to be remembered as someone who wasn't shy to race alongside my neighbours!

Galatians 5:13-14 says it well. "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself."

(When I need a break, however, I will keep writing. I left my characters in a plane going to who-knows-where. I need to find out where they're going before the plane runs out of fuel.)

WINNER OF THE JANUARY BOOK DRAW WAS: MINDY M (She graciously gave her book away but will receive the one I'm hoping to publish in the next few months!)

Lets keep remembering the goodness of God!

Drop me a line through this site or email me directly at pdjanz11@gmail.com if you have anything specific you'd like me to pray for!

Pattie Janzen