Why Journal?

The oddest thing has happened. Apparently I missed a day blogging and I didn't even realize it. But I began pondering the rationale for blogging or journaling in the first place. Since the routine of doing this on a regular basis is rather new to me, I've been asked quite a few times why I'm doing it. Frankly, its a good question.

I don't think everyone's answer to this question is going to be the same as mine. Some people likely blog because they're looking for a response or a reaction from other people. I think when I used to blog on Myspace, this was my secondary motive. (Not my primary though, no one was on Myspace when I first got there and began blogging). But my reasons for journaling and/or blogging are a bit different.

I have found about myself that when God is trying to teach or show me something difficult or unpleasant; its easier to try to ignore it. If I just pretend I don't really know what God wants, I can go on acting ignorant. Writing these reflections concretizes the things I know I'm supposed to be hearing and responding to. Once its out there, I can't act like I don't know. And the fact that this is a semi-public forum means there is some measure of accountability here. Although there are relatively few people who will ever read these words, the ones who do will generally know if I'm living in response to the truths I'm being shown.