Perhaps you are an unpublished author/writer like me. Or perhaps you are a college student like me, getting ready to head back to school - away from home.
I'm "on my way," but it's not easy. It's difficult to think about the work and wait ahead of me if I am ever to be published or have a career in the publishing industry. It's painful to think of leaving my family to complete my senior year of college. And it doesn't matter that this isn't the first time I've had to say "farewell." It's still really hard.
But even if I were to be published, or even when I finish school, my journey won't be over. Because in light of eternity, as a believer in Christ I'm constantly "on my way" until I reach my true home in heaven.
And yet, I'm grateful for this journey. There will be sad, lonely, and discouraging times. But there's so much I can learn "on my way." I have a chance to walk with God through His grace and experience life and love. How easy it is to forget what an amazing blessing life is! And when I realize that the ultimate destination is Home - well, what a wonderful, grand perspective that is!!
I realize this is more of a personal post. But I sincerely hope that in this personal post you might find something to personally encourage you, whether you are published or unpublished, happy or sad, far from home, or whatever state you are in right now.
May the following song from the movie Brother Bear and the verses from Philippians bring a smile to your face and help you seek hope for your heart:
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord....
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus....
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
~ Philippians 3:8a, 12-14, 20 ~
(Movie/song clip from YouTube.com.)
I'm right there on the journey with you, Amber and it seems to me that the counsel I keep running into is 'enjoy the journey.'
ReplyDeleteFinding time to work at writing is a challenge, but the waiting is the worst for me! Reading your devotional has made me realize that I can use waiting for good though. I mean soaking up other writers' talent by reading their works is a constructive way to wait. So is visiting blogs written by authors and hopeful-authors and sharing in a 'sisterhood' of waiting.
And everywhere I go I read the counsel about God's timing. Of course there's lots I can do to further my own personal growth while I'm waiting for that. Like reading blog posts like this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the journey!
Loved the song, Amber! Thanks for sharing it along with your thoughts! It reminded me of another song, don't know who sings it though:
ReplyDeleteAnd there's joy in the journey
good times in the going
It's not all in the reaping
there's plenty in the sewing
Taking pleasure in the progress
We make from day to day
Oh, there's joy in the journey
to heaven on the way
Kav,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know we're not alone! :)
And oh, there really is so much we can do in the waiting, isn't there? I'm often guilty of impatience and wanting to get to the next milestone, but really, what's the hurry? And why do we see it as a time of "waiting?" Right now, wherever we're at, it can be a time of "living" and seeking God's will in whatever He has for us to do now, no matter what's down the road.
Thank you for your inspiring comment, and for reminding me that there really is so much we can benefit from now! I'm so glad that this post encouraged you - and thank you for all you do to encourage me! :)
God bless!
~Amber
Linda,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the song - I just love it! So cute! And so happy that you enjoyed the post, as well. :)
Thank you for sharing those song lyrics! They're lovely, and a wonderful reminder. :)
~Amber