It was just about one year ago that I was feverishly attempting to write a book. I honestly thought I had something important to share with the whole world, and I was certain that everyone would be clamoring to receive a copy of my life's story. I also had been given a wonderful opportunity via a scholarship to attend my very first writer's conference. All the more reason to believe that I was well on my way to becoming an author of reknown.
Boy! Was I ever mistaken!!! Oh, I went to that wonderful conference, and I was full of confidence and hope as I submitted my query to the panel of publishers, certain that mine would be chosen for some kind of grand prize for being the most interesting, unique and dynamic spell-binding story they had ever had the privilege of reading. What I discovered was, much to my chagrin, on the first day of the conference...well, let's just say that I suddenly realized that I was not God's gift to the waiting publishing world...and worse yet, I was just one of many, many hopeful wannabe authors who most likely had a lot more talent than I...and I definitely had a LOT to learn about writing a book! It was one of the most deflating experiences of my life.
However, I persevered through that whole conference, attended every class I could manage, spoke with every publisher and other budding author I could entrap into a conversation, took myriads of notes and collected every handout and freebie I could fit into my bag for future reference. I was determined not to become discouraged, but I had to totally reevaluate my whole scheme of writing. The book idea was put back on the shelf. It just wasn't the right time for that yet.
What was I to do with all of that new knowledge and eye-opening experience? I couldn't just give up on writing, could I? No, I truly believed that God had instilled that desire to write within my heart, and I knew that HE had a message that He wanted to speak through me in one way or another. I also reevaluated my motives and goals for writing...was it for personal gain or fame? Or was it to glorify God and perhaps actually inspire and help others in the process?
As a result of what appeared to me to be a "closed door", i.e.; no book writing for me; I discovered something new on the horizon...an "open window" of opportunity... and I began to write this blog! Now that was a definite leap of faith! It was a way of "casting my bread upon the waters"...and praying that God would bring it back to me "after many days"...His way...in His time.
"In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good." Ecclesiastes 1:6Little did I know when I started this blog all the things that were about to take place in my life that would influence my writing...and you can go back over this past year and read all about each new event...some good, and some not so good. Through it all, God has been working behind the scenes, directing me as I wrote, guiding me to passages in the Bible that were encouraging to me...and hopefully to others as well. He has taught me much about His plan for me and for my writing "career". No, I still haven't written that book...and I probably never will write that particular book...but I pray that whatever I write will be for His honor and glory...and for your edification. I doubt I will ever be found on the Best Seller list, but that is not my goal or purpose. This story is my bread...and this blog is the water that carries it...and for now, that's okay with me. And I believe it is exactly what God had planned all along.
"As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything." Ecclesiastes 11:5
However...
"For I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." IITimothy 1:12
Therefore, I will keep writing and trusting God to do whatever He so desires with my offering. May Jesus Christ be praised in all things. Amen.
Thanks so much for sharing, Pam. John's been writing 2 books, a devotional, and a novel. He's no where near the point where he'll face the inevitable publishing "enlightenment" stage, and I pray he'll handle all that well when the time comes. He does write well - but I'm truly biased.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is wonderful. I've enjoyed reading it. It's very down to earth, and edifying spiritually. Keep it up! I'm sure the Lord is pleased with what you've been sharing.
God bless you!
Thank you, Connie...by fellow "blogger". I have enjoyed your blog as well, and I was not aware of your husband's writing abilities. I wish him the very best in his pursuits and will look forward to reading some of his work one of these days!! I am thankful to be reconnected with you after so many years! That is one of the blessings of writing this blog...it has brought some wonderful people across my path...and that makes it all the more rewarding.
ReplyDeleteNothing is wasted is it? I am working on a book idea also. It is a new desire that emerged this last summer and I too started my blog as a small step towards that possible book.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, Susie, (Recovering Church Lady)...every experience, whether good or bad, success or failure, has a purpose in God's economy. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1. Someday I will look forward to reading YOUR book, and maybe you will read mine...and we could go on a book signing tour together! Wouldn't that be fun?? God bless you and thank you for being "real". Love, Pam
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