I am no stranger to setbacks. (What a shock of an opening line, I know!)
For example, when I sat down at the end of 2022 to start sketching out some ideas about the writing projects I wanted to work on this year, I had quite the list. I wanted to work on my novel, which I am committed to finishing. I wanted to continue writing here on Substack, which I love very much (thanks to all of you!). I wanted to maybe write a few short stories to try for publication again, since my one publication experience was such fun. I wanted to finally write a devotional for Lent as a companion to my Advent one. And I wanted to continue on with my freelancing as a copywriter and editor.
In all honesty, not all of that list has stuck. Very little, really.
Nearly two months into the year I’ve got no short stories, less freelancing than I hoped for, and a scuppered Lent devotional plan.
Not quite what I had in mind.
But out of the false starts I’m already seeing some new growth. No short stories, but an entire outline of another novel landed in my lap this week and I’m having fun juggling the two books at very different stages of development. Less freelancing, but I’m opening my mind to other income ideas I hadn’t thought of, before. And a scuppered Lent devotional, but I do think it has given me an interesting idea for something new to share with all of you here on Substack. Something I’ve been toying with for a long time, waiting for the right timing (more details to come!).
My point is, if you’re feeling like this year is already off to a weird start, you’re not alone. But my hope and prayer for all of us is this: that we will reach a point in the next few months when we look back and see the seeds that were sown in this strange time. Seeds that yielded unexpected fruit because we trusted in the process.
Yes. Trust in the process. Go gently. You never know what growth is already beginning, stirring under the cold soil.
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Looking forward to seeing what this year holds for you!
I have often found, ideas for which I have great ambitions, God will tap my brakes for me. The idea won't die, but will be dormant, until He warms the cold creative soil of my mind and allows the idea to sprout. His timing, not mine. I wouldn't be surprised if a Lent devotional is in your future, but maybe God wants you to ruminate on it some more?
Either way--it sounds like you have a lot planned and it sounds very exciting. God bless you in your work!