On May 4th of last year my first novel went to committee at B&H Publishing. I expected to hear yea or nay within a few days. Nope. May 7th, 10th and 17th came and went with no answer.
Around May 20th, as I was praying about it—no, not begging, praying—I felt God say, "Enjoy this."
Huh? Enjoy what? The anguish of not knowing if my book would be contracted?
Then he added, "It's going to sell; enjoy this time of anticipation."
Was I really hearing God's voice? I couldn't know for sure. But as I allowed his words to settle, a thought floated up from my heart. My calling as a writer means one thing. Obedience. Obedience to what God has asked me to do; write. Anything beyond that is out of my control.
In that moment I had a choice. Worry, or let go of my anxiety. I chose to rest in, and even enjoy his peace, knowing I'd invested the talents he's given me to the best of my ability. I had no regrets. I'd poured everything I had into my novel. That's my part.
Whether you're multi-published, longing to be published, or just starting to dream, remember this is not a journey of getting by-lines or contracts.
It's a journey of following him.
Jim Rubart
www.jimrubart.com
The 25th annual Florida Christian Writers Conference, March 1-4 2012.
Good Post.
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