Writing’s biggest draw for me is that it gives me time to weigh my words – and my attitude. When it comes to thinking – I can go deep, but quick? Not so much. With writing, I also have the opportunity to revise my thoughts and words before I “put them out there”.
Writing IS slow thinking.
Each time I sit down to write a blog post I am reminded that words seldom tumble out of me in an impromptu string I feel comfortable publishing for the world to see. No, I always revise (a little or a lot, depending on available time). I cut words, I add words. I reorder ideas. I clarify anywhere I might risk misunderstanding.
It’s a messy process – my thinking – and I appreciate the opportunity to “get it right” before putting it out in public.
So why did it take so long to see preaching, for me especially, is better done from a manuscript than from scribbled notes?
I was often finding, in these recent days, “the perfect way to say” this or that pop into my head in the course of the week leading up to a sermon. But I wouldn’t write it down. Big mistake.
Most often the result was that nobody but me ever heard that point stated well. After delivering a sermon, I would think, “Shoot! I forgot to say —–!” or “I hope people didn’t hear me wrong when I said —–.”
The fact that it took me all my life to figure out my sermons would flow better if written out completely before I step into the pulpit illustrates my first point here:
I am a slow thinker.
I have preached from a written manuscript for the last two Sundays, and I will be making it a habit from now on.
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