Writing Among the Stars

I’m rowing a boat on the ocean, struggling to stay parallel to the shore and not be dragged in by the waves and current. Jesus is with me.

“Stop straining at the oars,” says Jesus. “Let the waves bring you to shore.”

I release the oars. We drift to shore, step out, and then lie on our backs on the smooth, sandy beach.

The sky darkens to night. We marvel at the millions of stars above us.

“I placed those beautiful stars there for you to delight in Me,” says Jesus.

Then He says, “Look for the little things around you. Notice the simple, everyday things that are beautiful. I placed them there to bring you joy in Me. Let your soul rest in Me and be at peace.”

Jesus lifts me up among the shining stars. They surround me, sparkling like intricate jewels. Yet He shines brightest of all.

I reach out and touch Jesus. His light penetrates my hand and illuminates my entire body. I radiate His light, dispelling darkness around me.

Nearby, countless stars sing together in chorus. Each star shines in the darkness in its own place, but all sing together, lifting beautiful praise to God.

Some stars join hands to form a long, wavy line of dancers. Others shine alone. But none is lonely, because all shine for Jesus together in this dark sky.

I, too, shine brightly as I recline on a luminous beach chair up among the stars. I enjoy resting and doing nothing for a while, delighting in the other stars and shining Jesus’s light.

Then Jesus says, “It’s time to write.”

He gives me a shining notebook with a pen that glows brighter than everything except Him. As I write what He whispers to me, the words on the page radiate an intense light that pierces the darkness all around.

Jesus stretches the notebook like a scroll so the words can be read from both near and far. He helps everyone interpret the words to meet their needs.

I lean back on the luminous chair in the night sky. As I write Jesus’s words and shine His light, joy invigorates me. I’m grateful that He is using these words to enlighten and encourage so many.

I don’t feel guilty for not joining the choir or the dance. I’m called to shine where I am, reclining on my glowing beach chair, writing with His illuminated pen, and resting in Him.

“I have called you to write,” says Jesus. “Write the words I give you, the words I say. Some words you will speak. Some you will live. And some you will publish for others to read and speak and live.”

At times, I’m tempted to rise from my luminous chair to accomplish “more important” things. When I do, the chair remains glowing, with the pen and notebook shining brightly on the seat, but I am now dark. I am active, busy, getting “stuff” done, but unilluminated.

I return to the chair and recline there. My light slowly returns as I let myself relax, smile, and pick up the shining pen and notebook. And I continue to write among the stars.