We writers tend to measure our worth by our audience. How many Facebook followers we have. How many books we sold. How many speaking engagements we have lined up. And, of course, the answer is always, “Never enough.” We are always waiting for the Big Break that will change our statistics.
I used to think that creatives were the only people who thought this way. Writers, painters, musicians. But I imagine accountants wonder sometimes why Wall Street hasn’t noticed the great spread sheet they created. I expect every person who is endeavoring to do something in the world wonders, ever so secretly, why they have not been given an Oscar for their performance.
Here is one of the reasons: We aren’t there yet. Some of us will never get anything like an Oscar. But we will have points of arrival. Points where we say, “Wow, I think I was born to do this.”
And sometimes the waiting feels aimless. We start to feel like the Children of Israel wandering in the desert, going around in circles when we know the Promised Land is just north of us a little ways!
But do you know what the Bible commentator Matthew Henry says about that? (Thanks for pointing this out, Julian)He said God needed to build a relationship with the Israelites before He could take them into their destiny. And, He had to use the desert, because it was the only prayer closet big enough for that many people.
What a perspective! I’m looking around at some things in my life and saying, “Wait a minute. This isn’t a desert. It’s a prayer closet! God is about to get some things done if I will just cooperate a little.”
Who needs an Oscar when you have that?
Okay, I’d still like an Oscar for a screenplay. But you get the point. Now, back to the prayer closet of life.
Thanks Kathy, you have no idea how many times I read your posts and think huh that’s just what I needed to hear. We can always use some good writing in TV. We are usually relying on my writing skills which are usually best left in the visual.
Thanks, James! You don’t know how often I need to hear that what I write is helping someone! And I think you guys are doing a great job in production. But feel free to call on me if you have a specific need.
I love this! Those patient times of relationship building with the Lord are so important. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for jumping into the conversation, Amy!
Thanks, Kathy, for sharing this. Last March, by a rather brusque e-mail, I got the boot from a new and young ed-in-chief on a book on whose masthead I’d been from day one and the next 12 years. —- Given now that I’m “retired” — medically induced, not planned — I am lost at times. I loved doing that work. —- But, alas, potential business deals have evaporated. And that lost income? Wow, do I miss that! —- So I’ve had to slug through some really what-and-who-in-the-[—-]-are-you? times. —- After many trips to the altars, GOD reached this knucklehead. —- I’ve had a couple of book ideas for a few years. And talking to a couple of pastors I know, found they’ve been considering writing books. Of course, I put a plug for helping them! —- And I’m beginning to write devotionals for our church which has also spawned four others. Will publish on Web site and Facebook. —- Who knows: Maybe the LORD will improve my work? Whatever, it’s for Him and Him alone I’ll do these things. —- BTW: I love reading your work. God’s blessings. In Christ’s love, Kenna [p.s.: Give Doc my love and regards.]
Ah, my dear friend! Such a hard desert place for you! I’m so glad you are plugging along. I know God is always faithful, but, man, it is hard to see the way sometimes! May He richly bless this work you have found to do. Please send me links to your work. I want to read it!
Thanks, friend. I’ll send links when we launch the Web site page and FB. God’s blessings to you and the fam.