Why I Write

A serious minded six-year-old walked briskly home from his first day at school. He followed the aroma of freshly-baked cookies into the kitchen where his mother was busily preparing the evening meal, pushed a chair backward to the cabinet where the cookie jar sat, and stated in his most manly tone: "Mother, I am going to be a doctor!" Then, he mused, "But my daddy wants me to be a lawyer."

"Son," replied his mother, "What do you really want to be?"

With large blue eyes shining, and in happy relief, he replied: "What I really want to do is buy me a little red tractor and mow lawns!"

Although it is my desire to write, perhaps I should do likewise.

It is not easy to understand why we want to do one thing more than any other. It is certain that all are not prompted to do the same thing. With one it is music, another his easel, while another thrills at the thought of becoming an engineer or an architect. Within our very being there persists a certain drive, causing us to dream, and to try to fulfill that dream. So it has been with me, since childhood: I have wanted to express myself in writing.

Another reason for wanting to write is the knowledge of the power of words, especially the written word. The spoken word may soon be forgotten; the written words can be passed on from generation to generation. It is on this "written foundation" our youth will build. Also, how they build will be greatly determined by the writerr's pen. This fact invokes within me the deep and strong desire to leave some word of strength and guidance for those who read.

Also, the greatest, most important reason for wanting to write is derived from the experience I have been priviledged to enjoy in reading and teaching the greatest book ever written, the Bible. God's spoken word has been preserved from age to age by those inspired to record His precious truth. This Book, the source of the greatest inspiration for good, offers me the strength to endeavor to become a writer.

Again, as I search for the reason why, I am reminded that the descriptive word in necessary to reveal the full beauty of a painter's masterpiece, the architect's skyscraper, the engineer's bridge, or the landscaper's paradise. Millions never see man's greatest works of art but by the written word.

Lastly, I would like to write for money. It would be rather difficult to accomplish anything in our modern world without it! Our complex society demands a certain standard--this cannot be attained without sufficient legal tender. I hope to learn to write effectively in order to offer something of spiritual help and pleasure to others, in addition to receiving financial remuneration for my efforts.