Undeleted

Early draft ideas.

I have a number of them sitting on my computer. Many have potential and were written in haste.  They tend to be potent, with one strong, high-proof, spirited idea. Ideas that might be fun to sip, but if consumed in full, could make you sick. My first drafts have a “neat” quality that requires additional grace, experience, and wisdom while still preserving their essence.

I don’t throw them away because, while naive and undeveloped, they’re worth giving time to in order to develop to their full potential. After some time, I revisit them, make edits, and eventually hit the publish button when I’m content that my words will add value to someone’s day. Even if something doesn’t immediately provide value, that doesn’t mean it should be discounted, discarded, or deleted.

This way of treating my draft ideas has also led me to think about the link between people and underdeveloped art. We all know the sting of rejection, and we are all prone to reject what doesn’t agree with us. I try to make it my practice not to reject a person if it’s clear that I’m only dealing with the first draft of their career development. That person may one day be an award-winning story in the making. Don’t discount, discard, or delete.

In a similar way, I am also trying hard…really hard, not to dismiss the earlier drafts of myself. How many times do I wish I could hit delete on previous versions of myself and pretend they didn’t exist? It’s much easier to extend grace to others than I do to myself. The current internet meme of “papa show me what you looked like the 90s.” Yeah, I’m like, nah, I’m just not interested in revisiting that guy. Plus, he didn’t look that great.

Instead, I’m learning to hit “save” and see how those previous drafts have helped me become who I am today. See the redemption in the story. As a person of faith, I believe the author of life writes good stories, the kind of stories where the characters learn, grow, and experience change.

Every previous draft within you has distilled into strengths you carry today. Honor those evolving pieces—they are the ingredients in your character and the positive difference you make. Every first draft is just a beginning; it does not define your story. Honor the earlier version of you and make them proud that you've become more. Don’t delete them.

Thanks for reading, friend!