Blessings in Inspiration

I had the pleasure of exhibiting my books at a local author's festival in our community this past weekend. Authors were given a table and allowed to sell books, interact with readers, and give micro-readings. It was a wonderful day and I made some new customers and have several visitors to my table. I felt like I was in my element at the festival, surrounded by people who are as passionate about writing as I am.

I was one of the few (and maybe the only) authors there with Christian books and people noticed. Some would skirt my table quickly after reading my titles, but others took a double take and came back to look harder. Some of those "second-lookers" came back to buy books from me later in the day. Many people were happy to see Christian children's books that deal with real issues that kids ask about like faith and God's presence. 

All those juices generated at the festival continued on today when I FINALLY got the idea for my next book! I was in the shower, one of my favorite creative spaces, when an idea finally gelled and I started formulating how to put the story together. I spent the afternoon drafting out my story and I'll give it a few days to sit before picking it up for revisions. It has been months since a good children's story has come to me, but I'm learning that this is normal for me. The Lord gives me the inspiration when it's time, not before, so I can sit down and hammer out something when I'm not feeling it, but most days it will be something that hits the trash. 

Now, you might be wondering why I shared my little anecdote with you. Partly because you, my blogosphere friends, should know that I'll have another book for you and your kids within the year! I've also learned something that applies to more than my writing career that you might find helpful as well. I've taken a break from my children's book writing for almost a year because my well ran dry. I sat down with trusty notebook and pen several times, only to come away empty handed and frustrated. So I put it down and decided to let God drive the bus. He's never steered me wrong in the past - I knew that when it was time for Book 3 he would let me know. And he did. 

When we remember to let God drive, our path becomes very clear and less worrisome. I won't lie and tell you my life is worry-free because I'm too much of a worrier to let that happen consistently. However, I'm getting better at handing my writing business over to God for his glory and he's coming through. I hope that you'll give your life and your passions and talents to him, too, so you can see how faithful he can be in your life! 

Combating the "If only's" and "Never enough's"

I just read a very interesting book for a freelance assignment. It's called Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown. She explores the United States' culture of "never enough," which I found fascinating. She hypothesizes that people in this country are suffering from a culture of scarcity, which is a culture "never enough." No one ever has enough of anything: never enough time, never enough sleep, never enough money, never enough power, and the list goes on forever. We just never have enough, period. 

The idea resonated with me because I catch myself trapped in the same cycle. I wake up tired and think "I didn't get enough sleep" instead of thanking the Lord for the sleep I was able to get. Many of my "never enough's" creep into my thinking as "if only's." I think to myself, "If only I made more money I could..." or "If our house was bigger I would..." Again, the list can go on forever, but the idea at the heart of it is the same. Nothing I have is enough. Why is that? 

I think if I look deeply it's because at times I lack faith and gratitude. When I forget that God provides me with everything I could possibly need, and then some, these feelings of not enough like to creep in. When I remember that he's the fount of every blessing, I don't struggle with these thoughts as much. 

Isn't it interesting what that loss of focus does to us? It's such a simple thing, too. We think it's harmless to dream about bigger houses or better cars, and it can be. But, when our heart is coming from a place of jealousy, envy, or discontent, those simple wishes become destructive. They can eat away at our peace of mind, cause dissension in our marriages, and make us short with our children.  

One passage helps me regain focus when my mind wanders into "never enough" and "if only" land. 
It's Matthew 6:31-34: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

These verses have helped me through many a rough day, especially when I'm caught up in the "never enough" mentality. If we can simply remember that God provides all of our needs, we really don't need to worry so much about keeping up with others. He has never let me fall, and I have to trust that he is providing for my family's needs in all things.