A few months ago in Singapore, one of my favorite places in the world for a bunch of reasons, I came across a wall in a hotel with these two quotes on writing. They are really also about living. The first is by Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding generation in the United States and a “wisdom” figure with his quotes and advice. Here it is: Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing. I have been doing more and more writing the past few years, and certainly want it to be worth reading! (By the way, my first book, Monks Across the Sea: Church of the East Monastic Mission in Ninth Century Asia is now published by Regnum Press and soon to be listed on Amazon. I’ll let you know when it can be ordered.)

We are not all called to write. But we are all called to live. And living well is an art, not only for our own benefit but for the blessing of those around us. The second quote is from someone who certainly lived well for others, Mother Teresa of Kolkata, India. As those familiar with my blog would know, I had the privilege of meeting her twice, the second time with my wife and newly born first daughter, Carin, who was very small and attracted Mother Teresa’s loving prayers of blessing. Here is Mother’s quote: I am a little pencil in the hands of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. 

Two very different people in very different nations and contexts. Both understanding the power of writing, and really living. I want to continue writing in a way that inspires people to live well, but even more than that I want to live well myself, to do things that will be worth writing about. Allowing God to write love letters through me to others.

Write down what is within you, in whatever form it will take. And live the life within you, not holding back what are your unique gifts to the world.

That is all this time.