Read Joel 2:23-32 and Jeremiah 20:7-9.
Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. (Joel 2:28-29)
0. Should I write something when I don’t feel inspired?
1.
0. How should I pick a topic?
1.
0. Should I try to find a word for myself in one of the lectionary passages?
1.
0. Should I make a pointer into a CCEL book? Expand on a topic in the spiritual life? Write about my own experience?
1.
0. I only want to say what you inspire me to say. What I have to say on my own has no value. You have the words of eternal life.
1. Does inspiration always have to have a particular feeling? How do you know you aren’t writing what I want you to write when you feel dry?
0. How do I know that I am writing what you want me to write when I feel dry?
1. Is there no place for faith in you?
0. Faith in myself? Really?
1. Faith in me, even if you don’t sense me.
0. But I don’t even know if I’m supposed to try to write when I feel uninspired, or if I should wait until the word burns in my stomach and I can’t stop it from vomiting forth. Of the making of books there is no end. What if I feel a general call but not a specific one?
1. Do you think you should do nothing unless specifically called to that act?
0. Um…yes?
1. You are going to have a boring week when I go on vacation. You might get hungry, too.
0. You want me to grow again, don’t you.
1. Don’t you?
0. [grumble]
1.
0. You can’t go on vacation.
1. Well, that’s a little harsh. Slave-driver much?
0. What is gained by leaving me out in the cold?
1. Obedience is good, but I’m not looking for robots. I could make those without all the effort you willful people require.
0.
1. Do what you do out of love. Then you will be truly inspired.
