The journey of 1,000 miles is still 1,000 really long miles. The good news is, it can be done! I’m living proof.
To say I always wanted to be a writer is an understatement. Maybe you have a goal like that–one that seeps into your bones and not only becomes part of who you are, but is a driving force in your life. (Balance, anyone?)
Thirteen years ago I started writing with publication in mind. No more playing around and writing just for fun. It was time to get serious and start trying to live the dream. After all, why put it off when I saw what was a God-given opportunity staring me in the face? With a little early “success,” I saw this as a sign–I was doing what I was meant to do and this writing gig was a sure thing.
Fast forward a few years and multiple rejections later, and I was at a point where I thought I must’ve missed it. That could not have been God calling me to be a writer. Why was I wasting my time, energy, and money when I could be putting those resources to use for my family? After one rejection in particular, my agent at the time actually told me even she wasn’t sure what she would do in my situation. (Clearly it was time to part ways, and I’m so thankful for my current agent!)
In the meantime, I was watching my friends have success after success. While I was happy for them because it was well deserved, I had a battle raging inside, wondering what I was doing wrong and why I couldn’t have something to celebrate too. While there were a few concrete problems that I could and eventually did fix, some parts of my journey defied explanation. I’d written many, many full-length novels and joined professional organizations and gone to conferences. In other words, I’d done the work!
But that’s just it. We aren’t called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful despite not understanding and against the odds. You see, I was focused on the wrong goal. The goal should never have been to be a published author, but instead to walk with God and be molded into the image of Christ via whatever means He put before me.
In my life, God has used the writing journey to work out myriad issues–patience, humility, determination–and He continues to do so. As a bonus, I’ve had two previously published works, Table for One via a small press and A Daughter’s Redemption from Harlequin’s Love Inspired. In April, 2018, my first trade-length novel called Shadows of Hope will be released from Barbour Publishing. A dream come true, indeed!
What is God using in your life to make you more like Him? Is there a dream or goal you’ve been pursuing for years and you’re starting to get discouraged? Take a closer look at the journey. That 1,000 mile long, grueling journey. Who’s walking with you? You see, you don’t have to journey alone, and you don’t have to wonder if you’re taking the journey in vain.
If there’s a dream imprinted on your soul, it’s there for a reason. You won’t discover the fullness of it unless you get to walking. And if I can do it, literally anyone can!
It’s time to lace up your shoes, grab your backpack, and consult your Guide. Trust me when I say the journey of 1,000 miles is worth every step.
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