Do you write poetry? Are you a storyteller? I am. I only passed three of my School exam subjects when I was 15, but one of those was English Literature. I have always loved both reading and writing stories and still prefer reading a good book to watching a film – it allows me to use my imagination!
There have been times when particular circumstances have moved me to use my imagination and to write creatively – in the 1970s when I was first seeking God, and then rejoicing when I found Him; in the 1980s when I was a storyteller as I bathed my young children; and more lately in my retirement. Only now, well into my 70s, have I really understood that my imagination is a gift from God. An imagination to be used fruitfully in carrying out my God-given purposes in life, even in my seventies – and beyond!
So now I am writing reflections and short stories (and some longer ones too), that reflect on God’s loving nature and that speak of His longing to restore people. The stories tell of how He restores people who are broken physically, emotionally or spiritually into a life saving relationship with Him; a relationship that is only possible through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
I am an optimist. That’s why in my imagination I tend to see only good outcomes. It is said that a negative imagination leads to fear, but a positive imagination produces confident hope.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul talks about the confident hope that a positive imagination produces:“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:18)
Confident hope! This is the message I want to get across in both my Reflections and my Short Stories. I hope those reading my posts will have their spiritual imaginations set free to understand and wonder at the love of their heavenly Father for them. The love He demonstrated by allowing the earthly life, death and then resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Our spiritual imaginations are hugely important, far more important than my earthly imagination for writing stories. So now I am feeling the need to return to the subject in a future post on the blog. Watch this space!
Nevertheless, I still need to write – God keeps telling me that! When I don’t write I start having strange dreams, a sign to me that I am not using my imagination as much as I should. Then it is time to return to putting pen to paper – which is still my preferred way of writing, despite owning an iPad. And the dreams stop.
I do know there is such joy and fruitfulness in having an optimistic imagination and using it for my Father’s purposes!
********
On the blog next week I am planning to post a new story about one of my favourite characters, Ellie Higgins. The first story, already posted, is called “Ellie Finds Her Father” and describes her encounter first with Jesus and then with her heavenly Father. This next story relates how Ellie is reunited with her old friend Cat and is able to tell her all that has happened to her since they left Uni.
All references are from the NKJV unless specified otherwise.
John Partis
bearing-kingdom-fruit.com
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author’s name and website address are included at the end of the article. Thank you.
Leave a Reply