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 non-writers the twists and turns that authors 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 giggle 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 a bit. No one has been more surprised than me the way my life has literally changed within the past six months. 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 let God use only part of what He has given us 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? Not so–we’re ALL babes in Christ.
- Too old? Are you still breathing?
- No one in your corner? One word. God.
******
What’s been the most difficult chapter of your life so far? What are you resolving to do about it?
Comments 9
Love this post. The most difficult chapter I’ve been through was when
I was pregnant with baby #2. I had to be on modified bed rest for 10
weeks (from 20 to 30 weeks) due to an “irritable” uterus, which wouldn’t
stop contracting. I couldn’t work. Jason had to work a second job. My
family had to do my housework and bring meals. I felt like a horrible
burden. On top of it all, I had a toddler to take care of. Thankfully,
James was born full term, and I ended up needing to be induced.
God was faithful.
Author
My goodness! We share a lot in common, Tanya. I had a placental abruption with our first and did the bed rest thing…and indeed God was (and is) faithful! Many, many years later, I can see His hand of grace, protection, and mercy during other difficult trials. So thankful your “chapter” had a positive outcome!
I’ve had a few difficult chapters in my life, but God always saw me through – Even when I was young and really didn’t know Him all that well…I can look back and see that His hand was there guiding me through. Wonderful post and very nice blog.
Author
Loree, I honestly don’t know how people do it without the Lord…He’s my mainstay. Thank you for your kind comment. 🙂
I’ve had a couple difficult chapters. Long chapters, too, it seemed. Resolve: Get the train back on the track and wait for the engine to link up and take me wherever this journey leads.
Author
That’s always a good plan, Patti. And one day, we’ll trade our hardships for heaven. 🙂
Thank you for that encouragement. That made me cry. I’m so….unclear right now, as to what my future holds. But it really doesn’t matter, because it holds God. And he holds me. So, all is well.
Author
The enemy would like nothing better than to see us down and out, discouraged, tired, heartbroken, and defeated. The great thing? Nothing can snatch us out of our Master’s hand, as you confirmed.
I’m toasting you with iced tea and saying a prayer for you just now–for clarity and peace in any life decisions you might be facing.
Thank you, and God bless you. I appreciate the prayer (and the toast, too)! 🙂