Journaling...

...it's not not just for women. Somehow keeping a journal got associated with being a woman's thing to do over the last century. In studying the lives of great men, I’ve noticed a common trait: they were all consistent journal writers. Here’s a short list of great men from history who kept journals:

Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Lewis and Clark, Winston Churchill, Jim Elliot, David Brainard, George Washington, and George Muller.... the list goes on.

So I figure, if great men like these thought it was important to keep a journal, maybe I should, too. If it weren’t for their journals, we probably wouldn’t know much about their great lives and deeds.

Why Keep a Journal?

Your children and grandchildren will want to read it. You may think everyday life is quite ordinary and of little interest to anyone else. I'm sure great-grandpa thought the same growing up on the farm in the days before electricity, cars, and other modern day conveniences. For me a peek at the olden days is fascinating.

While you think that you’ll be able to remember everything just as clearly in the future, you won’t. Remember when you were a kid and you thought your experiences would be easily recalled at age 30? Now what do you remember from those days besides that time a dog bit you in the face? Someday your grandchildren will ask you about the big stuff too: “Where were you when you found out about the attacks on the World Trade Center?” and “What did you think about the election of Barack Obama?” Your journals will give them the answers they’ll be looking for and will bring you closer.

And who knows? Maybe the whole world might be interested in your musings someday. You may not think so now, but how many famous men knew that they would be famous before they actually burst onto the scene? And how many men were ignored in their lifetime, only to be celebrated after their death?

Journaling can be invaluable in sorting out thoughts, keeping track of goals, watching your thoughts change, and recording family life for later reminiscing. You don't have to get overly personal if that's not your interest. Create a dialog with yourself about career challenges or goals.

Your journal can also be an exploration of your growth and goals in your Christian walk. Write down things God is teaching you, ways he has blessed you, and areas you want to improve in.

A man, interested in a young lady, could share his journal with her father. This would help the father get to know him better and understand his goals and values. Same could be done later for the girl being courted.

It’s time to get started. Your task today is to start a journal. If you already have a journal, but haven’t written in it in awhile, write an entry today. And if you’re one of those few consistent journalers out there, way to go!