You Can Do This, part 1

When I attended the Indianapolis Christian Writers’ Conference last year, I returned home saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord—BE A WRITER.” My tank was full of enthusiasm, my engines were revving, I was ready to jump in the driver’s seat and start the race. I committed to write an hour a day. That was one year ago.

In that year, I’ve sold several humor and devotional articles, finished my first book, written and rewritten two book proposals, signed a contract with my #1 choice for an agent, and finished 70% of my work in progress. I also blogged three times a week, visited others’ blogs one hour a day, increasing my blog following from eleven to over sixty, opened a Face Book account, and attended the famous Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL where I gluttonized on information and inspiration from Those Who Know What They’re Doing.

And then I ran out of gas. Instead of saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord,” I was asking, “Is this what I want to do with my life, Lord?” I wasn’t ready to drop out of the race yet. But I was running on fumes, my tires were flattened masses, and my enthusiasm was waning. I questioned the wisdom of attending this year’s ICWC, wondering if I’d benefit from it, or slow others down with my less-than-sporting attitude. I prayed a dozen times, “Lord, connect me with people who can give me some direction. Show me if I’m on the wrong track, or if I should even be in the race. Help me, please!” Come back Friday to find out if I left the race or am still driving…