Cherish the Chase: Following Inspiration

A friend just reminded me about a time a few years back when noted writer Madeleine L’Engle had visited my alma mater–Spring Arbor University–before her death.

After Mrs.L’Engle spoke to the college audience, there was a question and answer session.

A hand in the crowd went up, and a slightly shaken voice said to Mrs. L’Engle, “I was so disappointed by the end of your recent book. I couldn’t believe that the main character died.”

Madeline L’Engle’s face immediately took on it’s own distress. “I know!” She exclaimed throwing up her hands in shared grief. She continued to recount her own struggle in letting the character die against her own desire for a happy ending.

Since hearing these words the first time, I’ve rarely encountered a better example of  how inspiration works.

It grows in your soul so that often times, you, as the writer or the artist, become the careful follower rather than the leader.

The pull beyond our comforts and preferences, beyond our well laid plans, may grow scary or frustrating at times. But I’ve learned to cherish the chase.

After all, when we’re hot on the heels of inspiration, tracking its twists and turns and changes of pace, we’re exactly where every craftsmen should want to be. We’re inspired.