Remember times in your life when you had to learn something over
and over... and over again. I feel like I'm in a repeat wash cycle of
life. Similar to how a washer with an agitator uses movement to
remove the unwanted from clothes, I'm irritated by events in my life
that are causing an uncomfortable friction in my soul.
One of the things God is teaching me is to hear His voice verses what
I want Him to say. Last week I had a small possibility of going to a
writing conference. I'm writing a children's picture book series that
incorporates prayer into each story. So when I happened upon Writing
for the Ages, a conference specifically for Christian children's writers,
naturally, I was excited. The main feature that drew me to this conference
was that it focuses on the the craft of writing, not on "how to be published,"
but simply writing itself.
Don't get me wrong. Learning how to become published is important,
and one needs to know the business side of writing. However, I feel
like the stronger one's writing is, the better chance one has at achieving
published author status. Let's not forget why we're blogging and networking,
let's not forget out love of crafting a story so that it touches the hearts of
those who read it.
I so wanted to go to this conference, but limited finances available, I prayed
if it was God's will that He would make a way. Days passed, and I became
nervous. I was having difficulty scraping funds together and securing
childcare. After an emotional conversation with God last friday, I concluded
it wasn't His timing for me to go this year. After a few tears, I felt peace erase
my fatigue and regret. God is all powerful, omniscient, and above all good.
He wants what's best for me, and I must rest in that knowledge. Now this
week, I'm once more facing a situation where I must put my wants aside
and truly listen for God's voice to guide me, hence the rewash cycle.
With His grace, I'll make the right choice. If I'm seeking His will, God
won't lead me down the wrong path.
As far as the Writing for the Ages conference, I'll be saving up to go
next year (they're fairly certain they'll have it again). I've attached
a link for anyone who wants to save their pennies for next year
as well.
http://www.navigators.org/us/ministries/gleneyrie/retreats/cornerstone/writingfortheages
Ah I know how it is to want to do something really bad and the timing isn't right! Way to keep your chin up! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Esther. Sometimes it's hard to "rest by
ReplyDeletestill waters" and let God do what He does...
provide for our every need. He is so good and
desires to give us good things, if we'll just sit
still long enough to receive them. :)