New growth often follows death. In nature, when an existing wildflower dies, the process releases seeds into the wind. They germinate inches or miles away from the original plant. The full span of the seed spread is revealed over time.

This month I face the task of sifting thru some of the “seeds” my father has sown. He died earlier this year and left behind a large collection of unpublished writings. The task is sobering to me. I am caused to reflect on the immediate focus of my own career, because I am a new writer entering the field late in life. Just assuredly there will soon be a “sorter” who goes through my “scribblings” after I’m gone.

Fortunately, Psalm 145 gives me a clue about how to approach my creative efforts.

“One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts…..They shall pour forth like a fountain the fame of Your great and abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your righteousness and justice.” (Verse 4-7)

There are many valid reasons to pursue writing, but from what I see, there is only one primary purpose that endures. I “hear” that purpose today as a burning question in my soul.

How does my writing (or any of my activities) show God?

Whether God is indirectly or directly reflected in writing, He is constantly available for artistic subject matter. There is always room for another story, painting, song, or poem that would accurately point to Him.

Like wildflowers overcoming a field, God’s truths and essence victoriously spans across the ages. In each generation, new voices of God-fearing people, poets, artists, and writers rise up to proclaim His name and bounty. However, in a blink of an eye they fade, shrinking to nothing but wilt and any “seeds” they’ve left behind.

I estimate my father generated well over two million words—a couple dozen book’s worth. In addition to his writings chosen as mementos by his family, I will save his reflections that best fulfill a “seed” purpose—those stories and essays that acclaim the wonder of the God he loves. (My father is STILL able to love God, albeit in heavenly realms.)

Even today, I can imagine my father standing beside the writer of Psalm 145. In agreement they could say these words together with me.…

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord upholds all those who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down. The eyes of all wait for You and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor…The Lord is near to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth….My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless His holy name forever.” (Verses 13-21)

To my father I say, “I miss you Dad, but I know where you are and I know the One who is with you.”

By the death of a flower, a new seed is released. But greater still is this fact…

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

My prayer

Maker of each flower, creature and person, I am one of Yours. Lead me on the path “for Your righteousness sake”. Even though it is dark sometimes, help me to trust and shed fear. You ARE with me. MY cup is filled with the plans You have for me and runs over. Your goodness, mercy, and love follow me all the time, and in the end, I will live with You forever. I praise and thank You for these things. Amen