Some Writerly Thoughts…

I am exhausted. It’s true. Life is busier now than before. But despite the exhaustion, I give thanks because it’s a good exhaustion. God is charting a new course for me. It’s a course that’s unfamiliar, somewhat daunting at times, and one that causes me a lot of self-reflection. It’s also a course that’s blow-my-socks-off exhilarating!

I think when we realize that God’s plan for us is coming to fruition it has a way of hitting us right between the eyes. It’s a defining moment when we realize a passion (a ministry), we’ve always held within our hearts, is actually the very one God has placed there. (And yes, I recognize I slipped into past tense just now–I did it on purpose.)

I’m sure I’ve talked about this before, but God wants to give us the desires of our hearts. Now, sometimes our will doesn’t always mesh with God’s will. However, if it’s truly our heart’s desire to serve Him through the gifts He’s granted us, then nothing can prevent it from happening. It becomes a matter of timing…His timing, not ours. We may have to wait weeks, months, years (and yes, even decades) upon the Lord as He refines His will in us. We may become impatient, irritated, and isolated in our thinking. That’s the really neat thing though. I believe God loves to use these times as “seasoning” as we approach the greatness He has in store for us!

For those of you who write and are still journeying toward the goal of finding an agent, pursuing publication, and maintaining some sort of balance in your life, I  thought I’d offer a word of encouragement today.

• Begin preparing for greatness NOW. Jot down hopes, dreams, and goals. (Pray over that list! There’s intangible Power in the tangible.)
• Shelve the negativity. Remember Can…Feel the Power.
• Stay positive. Yes, this Pollyanna knows it’s not always easy. Creating a positive mindset, though, will begin to manifest itself within us the more we do it!
• If you don’t know, ask. What’s the worst thing that can happen? I’ve made a lot of faux pas along the way, and I’m not naïve enough to think that I won’t make a few more. It’s how we learn.
• Manners count. Being gracious and giving and receiving are two-way streets. Here’s the encouraging part: people respond to positive strokes/feedback when it’s genuine.
• Seek out constructive advice from those you trust/respect. Opinions matter, especially when it’s coming from someone who’s walked a similar path that you’re on now.
• Reward yourself when you’ve accomplished a goal. It’s okay!
• Value yourself. Don’t fall prey to naysayers. God’s word tells us that we’re “beautifully and wonderfully made.”
• Do what works best for you within Christ’s boundaries. Prune out the thorns, get rid of time-busters, and stick to a schedule.
• Activate a prayer life. Recognize who you really depend on. It counts, it matters, and there’s no eloquence necessary.

In one of my favorite movies, Facing The Giants, there’s an emotional scene where one of the football players is struggling with self-doubt and His God-given abilities. The coach uses the “death crawl” as a teaching tool to prove what the young man is indeed capable of. (Think David and Goliath.) It’s one of the earlier films by Sherwood pictures (probably filmed on a limited budget) but it packs a powerful punch.

Sending encouraging thoughts your way today!

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What are ways you stay encouraged? How are you an encourager?