What’s black and white and red all over? No, it’s not a newspaper; it’s a picture of Dalmatians in front of a fire station!
My sister and I knew we were in for a jigsaw challenge when the opened box revealed a mess of black, white and red. We began with the border, and then tackled sections of wording, window frames and buildings. The shading changed when we got to the various reds, some in sunlight and some in shadows. Dog collars came next, and at last spots. Oh, the spots!
Maybe you’re not a puzzle fan like me, but I think there’s a writing lesson waiting to be revealed. Here’s what we’ll tackle in the exercise:
- Stand to see a different angle.
- Change tactics.
- Pull out the red pieces.
- Seeing spots?
- Get a buddy.
Exercise:
- Is your WIP stuck? Look at it from a different angle. Take one scene and read it by itself. Does it make sense?
- Have you been looking at it too long? Try another tactic. Read from the end of the paragraph, one sentence at a time. Does it connect?
- When we separated the red pieces from the rest of the puzzle, we were able to find patterns. What patterns can you discern in your writing?
- Is the work getting blurry? Switch writing tasks, then come back with fresh eyes.
- When you work on a project with someone else, collaboration brings out the best in both of you.
Sometimes writing feels like a puzzle. But when you rearrange the pieces it fits together into a beautiful picture. Ask the Lord to help you see His nudge of creativity in your words.
I’m not saying that I have this all together…But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me… By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Philippians 3:12-16 (MSG)
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.
Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net
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