Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s been 13 glorious years of blogging on my humble little space online. Time seems to fly with every passing year. And boy, I am so very grateful for every passing year. Having cancer twice does that to you. Every birthday, milestone, and special event is an opportunity to give thanks for life, with all of its trials and triumphs.
I must confess typing here I feel a little like a party pooper. Writing blog posts has taken an unfortunate back seat recently. Having young children, home educating, writing for other people, general home management, and every day life responsibilities has crowded out my own quiet voice here.
However, I haven’t lost my voice. In fact, I hope that I will use my voice more in whichever way the Lord chooses. Writing remains a joy, a need, a pleasure, a labour of love. It is something that I will always do because I just can’t help myself. God has graciously given me an ability to write and to enjoy it at the same time. However, writing doesn’t define me. Neither does being a writer.
Over the years, I have wrestled with imposter syndrome. How much does one write before calling themselves a writer? Or is it how long they have dedicated to their craft to be considered a professional writer? I am now comfortable calling myself a writer. Much like wearing a favourite oversized hoodie, I’m embracing the snugness (hopefully without any smugness). It’s a good fit. It could be tighter for sure, but I love the freedom and flexibility!
Writing is not about the number of books written, articles pitched and published, invoices submitted, or followers achieved. It’s about the act of writing. I would go so far to say it is about the love of writing too. Both the act and love of writing grows deeply with each passing year. Without getting overly sentimental on this blogiversary, I remain a writer who loves to write and continues to write, no matter what.
With every word that I write, I long to bring glory to my Saviour, Jesus. Far from being religious, I am rescued, redeemed and renewed because of Him. I owe every passing year to my God. My life has been transformed from the inside out because of the cross of Christ.
When God decides when my last year will be, and the passing years are no more, I hope that my blog and writing will stand as a signpost toward the goodness, sovereignty and grace of God. With every word, I long to share that Jesus came to save sinners, that He is worthy to be praised and that we need to trust Him with our life – now and for eternity. If you don’t know Jesus, do not let another passing year go by. Repent and believe the good news that Jesus died for you and know that you are loved by God.
Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together (Psalm 34:3).
Ruth Clemence – Writer and Blogger 