Photo Credit: GaganMoorthy/Creative Commons
Recently, I lamented to a writer-friend about how tired I was. Perhaps, you’re there, too. Pressing on.
Maybe you’re a writer. Or an artist. Or a creative who’s walked a similar path. The one marked Guts. The one opposite its counterpart, Glory.
Though the two paths intersect, rarely do they meet–at least on the same day. And sometimes, not even in the same month.
The two paths are very different. Two distinct junctures, each with its own characteristics.
Guts is the path that requires stamina for exceptionally long periods of time. It’s what its name implies. A place to digest the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s a difficult place to be.
Glory, on the other hand, is the sunnier course defined by the sweet taste of accomplishment. The spot where we toast success. The tipping point of freedom.
Most writers know guts AND glory will be part of the mix as we pursue publishing goals, but what we may not realize is the extent both will play in our pursuit of the dream.
For instance, I think most of us would be happy to skip the guts part. We don’t want to experience long waits, trying circumstances, or potholes along the path. We’d rather go for broke. To play full-out. To ditch difficulties and dance beyond defeat.
The reality IS that it rarely works like that.
Now, that’s not to say it can’t. I just don’t know too many folks who’ve had it happen that way.
If you’re pursuing a dream today and you’re more than a little tired of the perseverance trek–I’m with you. It’s tough.
But what’s the alternative?
To give up? Quit?
We could. But wouldn’t you always wonder?
What if I’d stuck with it just a little bit longer?
What if opportunity was right around the bend?
What if tomorrow God planted a miracle in my path?
These are things I’ve mulled over in the past month. Things that always encourage me to press on.
Today, if you’re lost somewhere on the beaten path, please know that you don’t have to go it alone. Gather a few close friends, or even one, to cover you in prayer and bear you up in love.
It’ll make the world of difference while you’re waiting!
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Which life path are YOU on?
What do you do while you’re in transition?
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PLEASE SHARE
Two paths. One destination. Will you ever arrive? (Click to Tweet)
Why guts and glory will always be part of the creative process… (Click to Tweet)
*The winner of Wednesday’s book giveaway is Bonnie! Congratulations!
Please contact me with your mailing address, Bonnie, and I’ll get your book in the mail to you!
*Friends, I’m guest-posting on the ACFW blog today. Please stop by and say hello! I’m talking about the Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner during my writing journey.
Photo Credit: Gagan Moorthy/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
I’m so glad you wrote this today. I’ve been working on getting all of my authoring stuff set up the “right way,” following all of the Pinterest commands and professional bloggers’ “Thou shalts,” and sometimes it feels like I’ll never get it done! I love your description of the “guts” portion here. It’s been refreshing to see others like you who are on the same journey, knowing that if it’s God’s will for these books to get published, it will happen! It brings so much peace to my soul. Thanks for the encouragement this morning!
Author
Brittany, so glad this encouraged you! I’ve learned that what’s right for one isn’t necessarily what will work for another. I think we should consider various viewpoints, learning from others as we go, and choose the best path for us. And when we’re a little farther down the road than our friends, we should never fail to give back. Prayerfully, my readers realize that I’ll always tell them the truth–with tact and love.
I love your voice and your heart for sharing. I believe the potential is there for you to have a wide readership because of your willingness to speak to hard-hitting topics from a very personal perspective. You’re a blessing!
Very good post!
When a Roman general would return victorious from war, he would enjoy the honor of a triumphal parade. Captives would be led along the streets before his chariot, along with wagons loaded with booty.
And in the chariot the general would receive the adulation of the citizens, while just behind him would stand a slave, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear:
“Glory is fleeting.”
Author
Andrew, true! It reminds us, too, that when we reach one milestone or accomplish one goal, there are always others to strive for. And depending upon our motivation, sometimes the process needs refining. A journey best left in God’s hands.
Well, I’m definitely in the tired season–but that’s solely because I only got three hours of sleep last night. Haha! 🙂 But yeah, I think any dream comes chock full with its own form of exhaustion or do-do-do seasons or just plain burnout. Love your wise words today!
Author
Melissa, get some sleep, gal! 🙂
My hubby is going through the guts stage at his job right now. It’s hard to watch from the sidelines, but I’ll keep encouraging him that the glory WILL come.
Author
Patti, I’m so sorry your husband is enduring that season. We’ve been there! (I will lift him up in prayer, dear friend!)