But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
Galatians 5:22-23
I travel around the country speaking and teaching at writers conferences. Beyond being about to help other follow their dreams, I also get to hear about other
authors’ journeys to publication.
As we compared routes, I noticed many
similarities to my own. Most are like mine—not a direct route—but a circuitous
trip full of bumps and detours. Frequently a writer's path can be littered with
broken dreams and shattered expectations.
In the past I would
have called them failures.
As I've heard more and more stories, I've reflected on those instances in my life that I've always labeled as failures and
shortcomings. Now, in the light of the successes those detours had brought, I
see them more clearly. They're really been valuable 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.
Today I challenge you to look at those things you’ve labeled failure, and notice the fruit that’s now begun to grow.