Every year I find a new daily devotional to read through in the mornings. For this year I’ve chosen Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young. The above excerpt is taken from this past week’s reading. These passages resonated with me, in considering my journey as a writer.
I’ve written stories, or thought about writing stories, since I was 9 years old (there’s the first, at right). But not until December of 1991 did I take up a pen (literally; it was years before a computer entered the picture) and begin a novel with any notion of one day attempting to see it published.
It would be quite a few completed manuscripts later before I was offered my first contract, December of 2011. Twenty years from the day, nearly, that I first took up that pen to seriously write a book.
During those years I learned that the working out of God’s calling isn’t always straightforward or swift. I still see mountains up ahead. Different mountains than before. Pretty to look at and dream about. But I need to keep my eyes on the path at my feet, too, so I don’t go sprawling on my face. I need to check in constantly with the Lord (how I am trying to be mindful of this!) to be sure I’m not racing ahead, or lagging behind, in the little things as well as the big.
Talk with the Father before I send that email, refusing to let pressure dictate a hasty response…
Talk with the Father before I say yes to a request… or no.
Talk with the Father for all those involved in the production of my debut novel…
Talk with the Father about those who will read Burning Sky…
Talk with the Father about the new book I’m plotting…
Talk with the Father about everything. He’s there, and He will direct our paths.
