But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
Galatians 5:22-23
 |
| photo courtesy of Mary Denman |
While I was at the
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hear about other
authors’ journeys to publication.
As we compared routes, I noticed many
similarities to my own. Most were like mine—not a direct route—but a circuitous
trip full of bumps and detours. Frequently a writer's path is littered with
broken dreams and shattered expectations.
In the past I would
have called them failures.
As I listened, I
reflected on those instances in my life that I'd always labeled as failures and
shortcomings. Now, in the light of the successes those detours had brought, I
saw them as opportunities to grow and learn.
- Those times of waiting had become patience.
- The weeks—and sometimes months of—frustration had become discipline.
- The heart-breaking rejections became joy.
All those difficult
circumstances had been used by God to teach me things I lacked, as well as
giving me compassion for others on similar journeys.
Somewhere along the
way, God used the seeds of failure to grow fruit in my life.
Today I challenge
you to look at those things you’ve labeled failure, and notice the fruit that’s
now begun to grow.
This is a great perspective, Edie. Thank you and God bless!
ReplyDeleteJoan, thank you! Blessings, E
DeleteAmen! I wrote a book about christian prenuptial agreements five years ago when I first started writing. While the content was good, God had much to teach me about marriage education that I had not yet gleaned from this world. The publishers said it was too controversial. I put it on the shelf thinking it would never go. Then God orchestrated a path that taught me what He wanted in the book -- many times better than what I had originally written. The new improved book is now out, and hopefully saving marriages before they start, and doing it God's way. I rejoice that God did not let me do that first book. Praise Him!
ReplyDeletePatricia, what an extraordinary--and necessary--concept: a Christian prenuptial agreement. I hope your book blesses many.
DeletePatricia, what a great story! Thanks so much for sharing, Blessings, E
DeleteWhat a great story, Patricia. It's always amazing to hear how God's plans are always bigger than our own. :)
DeleteEdie, thank you for these encouraging words of walking down an often pebbly path. Just as of late I've wondered if my "delays" have been more of His many life lessons I needed to learn and to grow as a Christian.
ReplyDeleteElaine, those delays can be frustrating, especially if we look on them as failures. Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, I love that you shared this encouragement with your readers. As you and I have discussed many times over the years, those things that disappoint us the most are often the very things that lead to God's perfect plan for our personal and writing lives!
ReplyDeleteVonda, I love that God has allowed us to share this writing journey! Blessings my friend! E
DeleteLove this line: Somewhere along the way, God used the seeds of failure to grow fruit in my life. Great post, I will be sharing!
ReplyDeleteTina, so glad you were encouraged. And thank you for sharing! Blessings, E
DeleteThanks for the positive words after BRMCWC. I am taking all of the critique comments as stepping stones to better things in my writing. Abide in Jesus and bear much fruit. Blessings to you for your encouraging words all year.
ReplyDeleteElaine, stepping stones is a good way to look at these! Thanks for sharing, E
DeleteThanks for the encouragement, Edie. Is your middle name Barnabas? :) Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteCathy, thank you! And I think Barnabas fits you much better! Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, thanks for sharing your encouraging story. Hearing the fruit produced through seeming failure—it gives encouragement and perspective as I face some similar situations. Loved this. Thank you.
ReplyDelete