Special Episode: Determination Over Inspiration/Our 12-Year-Old's Conversation with S.D. Smith
A 12-year-old boy's conversation with his favorite author becomes a masterclass in creative purpose and vocational calling. When young Dawson sits down with children's writer S.D. Smith, their exchange transcends typical author interviews, revealing profound truths about how faith shapes our creative pursuits.
Smith captivates us by comparing writing to the athletic "flow state" – that magical zone where challenges stretch us without overwhelming us, creating a sanctuary where time slows and creativity thrives. He reveals how his storytelling began organically through bedtime stories with his children, establishing a foundation of hospitality and genuine love that extends to his thousands of readers today. This authenticity offers a refreshing alternative to the performance-driven approach so many creatives feel pressured to adopt.
Most powerfully, Smith articulates a distinctly Christian understanding of creative vocation. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, he emphasizes determination. Instead of seeking fame or self-expression, he approaches writing as service. "All vocations are about love and service," he explains, whether farming, pastoring, parenting, or storytelling. This perspective invites us to reconsider our own work – whatever it may be – as an opportunity to participate in God's ongoing creation and care for others. For any listener navigating today's self-focused culture, Smith's wisdom reminds us that true fulfillment comes through aligning our gifts with eternal purposes, living devoted to truth rather than merely pursuing personal passion.
Ready to discover how your unique calling can become an expression of faith? Listen now, then share your thoughts or questions with us.
Links:
Green Ember Book
Connect with SD Smith:
Website: SDSmith
Helmer in the Dragon Tomb: Kickstarter Campaign
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