Once upon a time, somebody got the ending wrong. When my first novel was released, I did a blog tour where a bunch of generous people reviewed my book or interviewed me. It was loads of fun. Except for this one blogger. She evidently needed to rush to press. After a few nice words about the story, she wrote this:

“I haven’t had time to finish the book yet, but I can tell you exactly how it’s going to end.”

She was so wrong. And she published her thoughts as facts. How audacious!

I can’t remember if I responded, and I’ve forgotten the name of the blogger. The lesson has stayed with me, though. Because I’m prone to assuming I know how things will end, too.  And, when I think I know the end of a thing, it impacts the way I begin.

I always think I know how a conversation will end, so I hedge my words accordingly. Or I know how the other person is going to react, so I walk in with the same attitude.  I assume the challenge will have a certain result or the solution to a problem will be a particular thing. In things large and small, I often assume that I know how the story will end.

But, I don’t. We don’t. In this crazy, busy, beautiful life – anything can happen! And, it probably will. But we certainly don’t have it figured out. I remind myself often that the only thing I know for sure is that God will win. And, I plan to be on His side when the time comes.

I often remind myself to stop assuming things – like how you will respond to this blog post. I’ll just do my bit and trust God for the ending He creates. He is a much better writer than I am.