Leaving the Castle

Newly equipped with sword, Mithril shirt, and waybread, I leave the haven of Rivendell behind, making for the tumultuous plains of Gondor.

At least that’s how it felt at the end of the C.S. Lewis Writer’s Conference at Glen Eyre Castle this weekend. I came to it—my first ever writer’s conference—not really knowing what to expect. I just knew I had to be there.

And—wow—what an experience. I’m still processing what was presented. Challenges. Charges. Hope. Encouragement. And questions. Oh so many questions that are still rattling around in my brain.

What are your favorite words, and which ones have shaped who you are? (Syzygy is probably my favorite fun word, though I’ll have to think more on ones that have truly shaped me.)

Who are the board members of your mind? Who are those deep thinkers that you consult in the imaginative or everyday processes? I’ve been contemplating this one a lot, so I’ll probably explore this in more detail. Time to conduct a search for members!

Are you ready to surrender your words to the Word, the origin and Creator of all language? I’d like to think I am, but I know how my selfishness and pride gets in the way.

And perhaps the deepest of all, what words are you willing to die for?

Oof.

I’d never thought of this question before, but it’s been at the forefront of my mind. It penetrates deep. As a Christian, I am willing to die for my Savior. But what about words? I’m still chewing on that. I’ve got some idea, but I’m formulating them more.

The whole weekend passed by in a whirlwind. I know it’ll take some time to process all the information. But I do have some big takeaways.

First, I made some wonderful friends. That’s hard to find as an adult. But since we all came together with a love of words and sharing them with others, we already had a good foundation upon which to go forward. I’m looking forward to the deepening and containing of these friendships.

Second, I feel spiritually rested. I’ve been equipped with Christian practices to complement my writing. Prayer. True rest. Listening to the Lord and others. And I feel at peace, more than I have in a long time.

I feel motivated and excited. And not the summer-camp-high-I’m-gonna-go-home-and-change-the-world excited. Yes, there is a lingering thrill, but it’s more of a deep intuition of my calling. I know what I’m supposed to be doing. I have direction. I have stories to share, and my Creator is calling me to share them. When the next period of trial and darkness comes, I have that beacon to look to.

And so I’m back in Gondor. (Maybe Rohan, with animals to tend, but being in Gondor on the front lines of Darkness sounds right, too.)

I went to church yesterday. My sweet home country church that isn’t formal or liturgical but filled with people who love Jesus and want to serve Him. We took communion yesterday, and it felt like the perfect transition ushering me back to “normal life.”

I’m tending my animals. Hugging my horses as they eat. Checking on the cows. Collecting eggs. Watering my seedlings.

Ordinary goes on.

But it’s not so ordinary any more. I feel like I’ve been awakened to a fresh new perspective of the world. I don’t live to muddle through life. I go forward to shine His light and build His Kingdom on earth.

I’ll seek to bless others with my animals. That joy is meant to be shared.

Extra eggs will go to friends and family. My friend’s little girl can’t get enough scrambled duck eggs!

I’ll love my church and serve the community there. Sure, I was wishing I was a little more Anglican over the weekend, but I’m called to be where I’m at. And maybe I can bring some of the liturgy and tradition with me.

And I’ll write. That is my call. It is up to me to be obedient. I’m not sure exactly how it’s going to work, so I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’ll keep working on this page, mainly focusing on a holistic life with my growing farm and critter population.

But I’m contemplating starting a new page as well, one more dedicated to the act of storytelling. Of shepherding words, as the conference was titled. I’d like to dive deeper into storytelling and share some more of my pieces. I could use the feedback. And maybe my small offering of words can inspire someone else.