PrePared

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Shortly after entering the doors of the nursing home, I heard the announcement.

“Code Black.”

Not knowing protocol, I asked an aide about it.

“It’s the notice of bad weather and to move everyone into the hallway.”

By this time, the aisle was congested with people, walkers, and wheelchairs. Blankets were handed out and residents settled into chairs to wait. No one panicked. No one looked around anxiously. Life went on.

What caused this calm to rest on our heads? Outside, the storm raged. Inside, staff were prepared and levelheaded in their steps to safety. One checked names on her clipboard. Another checked rooms for occupants. All connected with needs in front of them. They were alert and knew what to do in the event of an emergency.

Exercise:

When might a writer be faced with an urgent need for words? A forgotten deadline, a new callout for submissions, or an email from an editor looking for a filler might all be possibilities.

How could a writer be prepared for the unknown?

You may already be doing this practice without realizing it helps you be ready. It’s known as a Tickler File (something tickles your fancy), Idea (a pop of inspiration), or Illustration File (stories to fill out your article). This spot has quotes that stuck out to you, stories jotted on a restaurant napkin, or scribbles from a middle of the night brainstorm. It might include newspaper clippings, photos, or something jotted in your journal. Whenever an idea sprouts, that’s the time to record it for later retrieval.

Designate a place for your own Tickler File. It can be in a composition notebook or on your computer, in a file cabinet or on your phone. Be an observer of life and write down what you see. Watch people and note characteristics. You’ll find your writing develop stronger themes and story arcs.

The Lord also encourages us to be alert to opportunities.

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

2 Timothy 4:2 admonishes (NIV)

When we’re ready for the unexpected, then we’re ready for anything!

What will you add to your Tickler File?

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 sallyferguson.net