I talked about this last year, but thought it might encourage you today…
I think because I write, I equate a lot of life’s stages to writing. Perhaps, it’s the other way around. Writing probably intersects with various chapters of my life, too.
If we think about the natural order of progression, it might not make sense to others the twists and turns that writers take at certain life junctures.
In society’s eyes, here’s how things are supposed to go: attend school, graduate, seek higher education (perhaps), decide upon a career path, marry, consider having children, raise children, work until retirement, and then enjoy life during retirement as a free-wheeling senior citizen. Well, as a starry-eye teen-ager, that was my dandy perception at least.
Now, MANY years later, I can glance back, clean off my rose-colored glasses, and almost laugh at how easy I thought it all would be. (Yes, there was a reason Pollyanna was one of my favorite movies. Even as a child, I always viewed my glass as half-full!)
This is the path my life has taken so far: I attended school, graduated, sought higher education, graduated again, chose an initial career path in human services, married, had children, (still raising them), and began a long-awaited second career with retirement a distant dream.
I didn’t really expect that my writing career would happen the way it has, just as I didn’t expect to have to put it “on hold” for many years due to life events beyond my control.
When life-or-death illness strikes one’s family, believe me, writing not only takes a backseat, it jumps in the spare tire well of the trunk. (I might add here–I still wrote. I couldn’t not write. Even if it was just a line, a thought, a mere word. The seed the Lord planted was still there; it just wasn’t getting properly watered at the time. I was certain back then that my tears didn’t count…)
Fast forward several years. God is taking me on a fantastic journey. I’ve worked terribly hard. I’ve sought God’s counsel.
I’ve hoped.
I’ve prayed.
I’ve dreamed.
It was only when I fully released the dream to Him that my life-course changed direction.
That’s the really neat thing about how God works–He can create miracles in a heartbeat with the sweep of His mighty hand when it’s OUR time.
Of course, this doesn’t come without responsibility on our part. We have to be a willing vessel and let Him decide how best to use our talents. If we think we’re going to outsmart God, allowing him to use only a portion of what He has blessed us with while keeping the rest for ourselves (to be used at our own discretion) we’re playing a dangerous game, and one we’re not likely to win. The Bible relates some very nice examples of this so I won’t go there.
Here’s the deal: the next chapter of your life might be next week, next month, or next year. Then again, it might be tomorrow.
Your life-change could happen in the form of a letter, an e-mail, a phone call, a visit, an encounter, or in one hundred other ways.
When God gets ready to move:
- It won’t matter what life has doled out. You’re going to be redirected.
- Feeling inadequate? Get ready–you’re a masterpiece in the making!
- Too young? Age is relative.
- Too old? Are you still breathing?
- No one in your corner? One word. God.
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What’s been the most difficult chapter of your life so far? What are you resolving to do about it?
Photo Credit: graur razven ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 12
Awesome encouragement here today, friend! I don’t know what my most difficult chapter has been. I’d say each chapter of my life has come with difficulty and conflict…like any good story!
I loved this: “When God gets ready to move:
It won’t matter what life has doled out. You’re going to be redirected.”
So true! So thankful that it is true!
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Jess, I know in my own life as I’ve made it through difficult times, I’ve learned to better embrace the success that comes from that season. That’s when I want to shout my victory and encourage others, “See, you CAN do this! I just did!”
I liked you’re writing analogy!
My twenties were tough. Each decade since then has gotten better and better. =)
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Keli, our twenties are indeed an interesting time. We want to believe we’re mature adults, but sometimes circumstances speak otherwise.
So thankful that God gives us newfound knowledge at each life-point.
I think it was when I was unemployed due to being layed off. Great words of encouragement here.
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Dan, no one has any idea how difficult downsizing can be unless they walked that emotionally draining road. I’ve no doubt God has His hand on you and that He will continue to use you in a mighty way!
Your leadership blog is packed with inspiration.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Very encouraging, Cynthia, and so full of truth!
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Jennifer, thank you!
I think you’re a natural-born encourager. I always enjoy reading your blog posts! (And your new website is so bright and cheery, too. Like you.)
Cynthia – such a wonderful and encouraging post! Just what I needed to hear tonight.
I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night lately. Things are changing rapidly, or should I say – blossoming – for all my children. I wake up and think about their dreams coming true…then I think about mine.
During the day today, I prayed…and released everything to Him. I had one of those light bulb moments and realized (not that I didn’t already know)that it is all in His hands, and no matter what the direction I must take…I will take it. No matter what comes, or doesn’t come…I will always love and trust Him. Joy filled my heart. I haven’t had such peace for quite some time.
Thank you for this post! I think I will have the best sleep that I’ve had in weeks.
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Loree, I could hear the excitement in your comment! It’s thrilling when we have those ah-ha moments.
When we watch our hopes and dreams come to fruition as a result of prayer, those times are forever etched in our minds. I can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to work in your life!
Wow, what an encouraging post, Cynthia! Our small group just did a study on Sunday night about how life doesn’t go as planned. All the detours I’ve taken in life have had a clear purpose. It’s hard to deny God’s hand in them.
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Sarah, so many times we look back on the past and realize that nothing was (or is) happenstance. Though we may not recognize it at the time, God clearly orchestrates all of our life events for a reason, and often times, with a bigger vision in mind than what we can perceive.
I’m so thankful for His divine intervention and direction! Left to my own devices, I’d probably make a mess out of things.