As a writer, you’ll face times of profound despair and, I hope, massive victory. When successful, you’ll want to share your news with your supporters. But I recommend muting your enthusiasm with your detractors. And we all have those.
To my surprise, a person who never speaks to me or contacts me except to ask a favor linked me to a lengthy fluff piece touting sundry accomplishments. I sent sincere congratulations but didn’t feel excitement and awe as I would have for a friend. I wondered, was this person:
Desperate for approval, any approval.
Amazingly egotistical.
Wishing me a great big, “Look at me! I’m wonderful!” Ninny Ninny Boo Boo!
Why would I think these things? Could it be that in the past, I was guilty of the same thing? When I sensed someone wasn’t on my team, someone who should have been, wasn’t, I recall sharing news of my accomplishments. Now I see that I appeared:
Desperate for approval, any approval.
Amazingly egotistical.
To be wishing them a great big, “Look at me! I’m wonderful!” Ninny Ninny Boo Boo!
I also see that learning of someone’s achievements when every interaction with that person has been negative doesn’t change my opinion.
The subject of that piece never once acknowledged our Lord and Savior. I’m so accustomed to those around me giving honor to His Majesty that His absence hurt my heart. And, yes, I did pray for this person because though I am puny, God is boundless. I’m glad He used the article to show me an area where I need to pray.
When we examine the motives for our communications and how they may be received, we may be less inclined to produce discord and error. On the other hand, if the Lord chooses our writing to make others uncomfortable, we must be strong.
May the Lord grant us right hearts and spirits in all of our communications.
