by Anusha Atukorala
The other day I was hunting for my runaway shopping
list. I hunted here and I hunted there; I hunted everywhere. But no! Like a magician's rabbit who had performed a vanishing trick, my little notebook had
completely disappeared from sight. Until … I opened one of the current books I
was reading … and voila! There it was. Hooray!
Have You found anything precious
inside a BOOK?
I’ve found plenty of valuable nuggets inside books. Like
… joy from stories that crept into my heart, head knowledge that came from books,
heart knowledge that also came from books, courage from tales of bravery,
smiles from jokes and humour, wisdom from learned authors, relaxation when chuckling
through a good yarn, deep sleep through a good book at bedtime, camaraderie through books
shared with friends, a thumping heart when glued to a page-turner, hope from
inspirational writing. And more. So much more. For like feasting on delicious morsals at a banquet, in books too I find numerous delectable goodies that fill and satisfy me.
Early in 2020, my brain hummed with a plethora of writing ideas. I made some impressive writing plans. I even enjoyed lots of extra time to
write, courtesy of Covid-19. But now … as I look back on the year that’s fast waning,
I don’t have much to show as a Christian writer.
Has anybody seen my muse?
I did find something more precious than gold in a BOOK I’ve read
every day of 2020. I’ve had more time this year to pursue God. Like a parched traveler
finding an oasis in an arid desert, I’ve been drinking from the inexhaustible spring of the Waters of
Life. Through the written Word and
the Living Word, I’ve found Life. Hope. Sustenance. Blessing.
So perhaps 2020 has not been a waste
after all?
Watching Avatar the movie some years ago, it struck me
forcibly how we humans borrow God’s ideas. All. The. Time!
The beings in the planet portrayed in Avatar were so similar to
humans—with arms, legs, eyes, noses, mouths just like ours
and tails like those of animals.
The plants in that planet were a whisper of our God’s creation.
The beauty in that sphere was a reflection of the earth’s loveliness.
The truth is that we can never improve on our Creator's work
when making a movie or in writing a story, for every idea we
have comes from Him. The exciting reality then is that the
closer we get to Him the better we can tap into Him and His
creativity. No, I haven’t done much as a writer in 2020. But I
have done one thing well.
I’ve called it my Year of Jesus, and my Year of Jesus it has been!
So perhaps it was simply a divine pause in my life?
Perhaps it was a year of being
renewed in order to serve Him better in in 2021?
Have you, in 2020 …
1.
Read books?
2.
Edited stories?
3.
Written book reviews?
4.
Encouraged other writers?
5.
Walked with the hurting and helped
others?
6.
Cared for family and friends who
needed you?
7.
Simply obeyed God in all He asked of
you each day?
8.
Drew closer to Jesus, the One who
holds all things together?
9.
Chalked up life experiences that you
can now use in your writing?
10.
Took a break from writing because of
other more important callings?
11.
Lived life the best you could each
day in spite of tough circumstances?
12.
Battled difficulties and tough times
to become a better version of yourself?
If you have done any of the above, you can hold your
head up high. And even if you simply kept on living, that is something to be proud
of. Sometimes life is so hard that just to keep on going is an achievement in
itself. 2020 was a year that challenged me and helped me grow and stretch. And
that is what I call a really good year even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
As I’ve sought my Muse-giver, in Him I’ve found my muse.
For in Jesus is life and hope and truth. His light pierces the
darkness of Covid-19 and the bleakness of our world.
This Christmas, may you find in Jesus, all that you desire.
And from the the challenging year of 2020 may you birth
a rich and fulfilling 2021!
Keep writing!
Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician,
a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity
director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark
moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for
Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see
others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her
world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her
theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.
Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her 2nd book ‘Dancing in the Rain’ brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her 3rd book, ‘Sharing the Journey’ is a sequel to 'Enjoying the Journey' and was released in March 2020.
Do stop by at her website Dancing in the Rain to
say G’day!
Her latest Blogs are found at Light in the Darkness - where she continues her writings on the Truth who lights up this dark world - JESUS!
Anusha's Books
