Encouragement

---

First Things First
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


When Sister Rita Clare Broecker, a Franciscan nun, tutored me on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help me with writing skills, one of her principles she would repeat over and over to me was, “Know the conclusion or end of your story before you begin writing. Develop this first then build everything else around else around your ending. You will realize how easy and uncomplicated your story is. This will be true whether your story is fact or fiction.”

As I proceed down the writing trail, I attempt to utilize this principle. At times, I have not always faithfully lived up to my teacher’s principle. However, over the years since high school, I have found Sister’s principle an extremely helpful way to plan each article or story I write whether I earn money or not for a piece.

The first act I do each morning it to say:

• “Grant me the ability, O Merciful God, to desire ardently what is pleasing to You. To accomplish it perfectly, to desire prudently for the praise and glory of Your Most Holy Name. Amen.”

Then I think of the evening before I retire. I picture the Lord smiling as He sits in the presence of my family together in prayer following a full, busy day. Just the realization that the Lord Himself is present makes me feel His unconditional love, hope and the peace that only His presence brings in a world who does not know Him or denies His existence.

When I hold this scene in my mind, it is much easier for me to deal with the difficulties of challenges of any given moment, anticipated or expected, that may occur at any point between the beginning or end of a day. For I pray also for a guard against jealousy, selfishness and any fears. I also ask the Lord to make me an instrument of His peace, to smile, give hope where hope is lacking through my associations and my writings as well as inform those I contact who is my source is—God, Himself.

When I close my eyes whether it be at home, in a foreign land, or in midst of conflict and uncertainty, I know perfect peace, unconditional love and Who is in control.

It awaits you the reader of this piece as well as. For God is with you and in you if you desire Him above all else.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE