Many times, in considering what I wish to write on my blog, I ask myself “Why don’t you do a devotional series?” It would certainly fit my audience. Many people come to my blog to read what “Chaplain Andrews” has to say—which would be a great devotional piece on “how to feel happy when you are sad.” It would also fit my mission to communicate the gospel. When the answer to life’s problems is Christ–that is an easy way to bring Christ into the picture by providing a devotional thought returning readers back to Christ. I may do a series like that one day, but not frequently.
Honestly, I struggle with devotionals. I don’t read them. I don’t typically feel lifted by them. Some people do very well writing flowery feel good pieces; but that isn’t me. I am much more practical that that. Yes, I could probably push myself to grow in that area but again, that is not me—it simply is not who I am. I must give some one something to do, rather than say “hey, I hope this makes you feel good.” This is not to say that encouragement is not important, it is. But, in my manner of writing or even speaking—I seek to give some one something to do. Many times on my blog, I simply tell my readers something specific about something I have done or something I want to do. (Kind of like this writing.) I am more comfortable with writing from an instructional or informative point of view. I want to give people a step by step approach to solving problems. A way of approaching the Bible or a way of approaching a hobby. These things can bring happiness—not by giving a quick aspirin—but maybe, hopefully, giving a path to a cure.