Good News

Have you ever found yourself firmly on a path you never intended to travel, heading in an exciting direction, but curiously retracing your steps back to the starting line?

The past couple years have left me in awe, watching God blaze a winding trail as I followed reluctantly behind. A trail that has led me to Dunkin Donuts, with a laptop and a cup of coffee, ready to share some fun news with you!

The very first step on my writing journey was propelled by a book idea. Uncertain that a book would ever be a reality, I quickly discovered a passion and a call to write. After some twists and turns, three versions of the book proposal, multiple “time to give up and turn back” moments, and a whole lot of growth, I recently received a book contract from Worthy Publishing Group!

My book is about the power of kindness; it details 40 kindness practices that easily fit the margins of our busy day-to-day lives. I’ll be sharing more about the project and the process along the way!

As I write this post, I can’t help but recall the very first time I described my writing adventure to a group. Gathered around my bible study leader’s dining room table, she asked me to share what God had been doing in my life. I opened up about my book idea, plans for a blog, and the palpable awareness of God’s hand on this unexpected ministry.

Our great sisterhood of women embraced me with loads of supportive, loving words. They were encouraging, excited, gracious, and engaged. Why then, did I feel the weight of that solid oak table resting squarely on my shoulders? When I got home that afternoon, I still felt it. Unsettled. Distressed. Thrown.

I sat down in prayer and tried to sort out what my problem was (the counselor in me is annoyingly interested in getting to the bottom of feelings!) Replaying the encounter, what I saw around the table that day revealed my persisting angst. I saw women with stronger faith than mine. Women who had the perfect scripture verse ready in a blink. Women with more interesting lives. Women whose spoken prayers were spot on and deeply moving. Women who endured and overcame incredible hardships with astounding grace. Women far more equipped for this task.

I made it clear to God that He had the wrong girl. There were much better options for this Christian writing gig. I felt clueless and unqualified.

And then, He spoke clearly and gently to my heart. A still, small voice. That voice of authority. Words bubbling up unexpectedly from inside. The work of the Holy Spirit.

He said.

Lovingly.

“Mind your own business.”

Say what?

By the end of my time in prayer, I felt peacefully reassured that God also has plans for all of those remarkable women. He was using them too. And I didn’t get to chime in on a strategy. He could handle it without my input. Thank you very much. My “business” was simply to discern where He wanted me to go, and follow Him there with confidence.

God has a plan for all of us. A good plan. Maybe not what we had in mind. But His. And good. As we try to sort out what our purpose is, we naturally tend to look around rather than within. Comparing ourselves to others. Focusing on our own shortcomings. Instead, we only need to trust Him and mind our own business. Good news!

Peace and love to you –

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

P.S. I’m going to keep on blogging while I’m working on the book, but I may be inconsistent at times for the sake of sanity. And laundry.