I tried writing my first book before I even called myself a writer.
It was a “closet” project that I told almost nobody about. The book was titled Waking Up and, in it, I outlined ten steps on how to live a happier, more fulfilled life. But when I got to page thirty, it fizzled. I simply ran out of things to say. (No surprise. I was about 23 at the time and didn’t have a lot of life experience.)
But that seed to write—a seed that was with me as a young girl and forgotten as I grew up and headed out into real life—made a brief appearance and pricked my heart.
Then it disappeared again when I ran out of words.
About four years after I put my feeble attempt at that “book” in a drawer, Mike and I found out I was pregnant. Katie was born and I quit my corporate career to be a stay-at-home mom. I was excited to start a new chapter of life. It was during this time that the seed for writing surfaced again.
And sprouted.
As I read books to Katie, my heart would quicken. I’d turn the pages slowly, lingering on the words, and something inside me stirred. Then one day I was struck with the conviction that THIS was what I was supposed to be doing: I was supposed to be writing children’s books.
I felt instantly passionate and wanted more than anything to make my new dream happen. But I had a lot on my plate as a young mom, and I didn’t know where to start. It seemed like a huge step to go from no formal writing experience to published author, and I already felt behind the curve.
Then I went to a women’s conference and heard a message from one of the speakers that changed everything. The speaker shared about another woman who had come up to her and said she wished she could be a writer like she was. I sat on the edge of my seat, my heart beating fast. (Because that’s what I wished, too.) When the speaker shared how she responded to this woman, I was struck by the simplicity of it:
“Just start. Whether it’s five minutes a day, or ten. Just start writing. And then you are a writer.”
It was one of the most freeing things I’d ever heard. I didn’t have to wish I could be a writer or worry that I’d missed my chance. All I had to do was start.
So that’s what I did.
Some days, I only wrote for ten or twenty minutes because that’s all I had in between diaper changes, doctor appointments, and play dates.
Some days, I wrote more.
After a while, one manuscript was written. Then two. Then three.
And simply by starting, I had become a writer.
There’s more to the story–all the ups and downs that came after that. And all the failures and successes too. But none of it would’ve happened, and I never would have experienced the joy of living my passion, if I hadn’t set out and started.
Maybe that’s all you need to do today too – just start. Maybe life as a mom has gotten crazy and you’ve put your dreams on a shelf and forgotten about them. Let today be the day you listen to that tug God is putting on your heart. He has given each of us unique gifts and talents – to use, to share, to grow, and to glorify Him.
So dare to dream, mama.
And just start.
He’ll be with you all the way.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 ESV
He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. – Matthew 4:29
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. – Psalm 139:7-10 ESV
Here are a couple of encouraging resources as you set out to dream:
Holley Gerth’s You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream
God-Sized Dreams website – where dreams set sail
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
