Stories that Matter
When Gandalf Knocks …
If you’re a LOTR fan, you know when Gandalf shows up, it’s a safe bet that something is going to happen. His presence sets things in motion. He is the inciting incident, and suddenly we’re on the edge of our seats, wondering what’s coming.
A wizard is never early. Nor is he late. He shows up precisely when he means to.
I love that line. Kind of reminds me of someone I know. Someone who also shows up precisely when He means to. And His timing is always perfect.
Lately there’s been a bit of commotion about the state of publishing and what’s coming next. Bookstores are closing and all I’m hearing is that it’s a tough, tough time to be an author. There is a sky is falling attitude out there that’s not hard to miss. For a newly contracted author, I can tell you, it’s a little frustrating.
Lack of sleep these days gives me plenty of time to think. Last night I lay awake and thought about all the conversations I’ve had this week, thought about some of the things I’ve read and the fear-envoking posts that seem to smack doom and gloom in the face of any hopeful writer, and I thought, oh yeah? Says who?
Do I really believe God called me out of my comfort zone, placed me with a publisher, not just any publisher but my dream publisher only to then slam the door in my face and let the whole house of cards come tumbling down?
Absolutely not.
And furthermore, even if it does, even if my dreams are suddenly dashed for some unforeseen reason, well? So what? I’ve been through worse. And I’ve survived. If CBA crashes and burns before my first book releases next year, well, I’ll survive that too.
So why aren’t I freaking out right now?
Because I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Trust me, coming to this realization took a while. A long, long time. You can read about it here. My journey to the place I am today has not been an easy one. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let fear and doubt and uncertainty rip the rug out from under me now.
Because when Gandalf knocked on my door, I answered. And I accepted the challenge.
God placed this calling on my heart. He’s given me the words, the stories, the ability to tell them, and the access to a creative community that surrounds, supports and encourages me every single day. How absolutely amazing is that? Look, here’s the thing. Nobody said it would be easy. Nobody said any of this would be a walk in the park.
But you take that on when you answer the call. When you open that door and step outside, leave the safety of the known in exchange for the unknown, you’ve got to expect the unexpected. I’m challenged to be a better writer every day, each time I sit down and open a manuscript. And it pushes me to be a better person too. Because my words are in many ways a reflection of who I am and how I live. God will shine through them like it or not … because He owns them.
God knocked. I answered. He set me on the path.
Sure, there may be terrifying moments. Sure, I’m probably going to lose my way at some point. I might even want to quit. But I’ll tell you what. That’s not an option. Not anymore.
Because I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
And there is inexplicable peace in that.
Along with the pure, giddy, unadulterated joy that comes in following your dreams …
🙂 Thanks
“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be…”
Amen.
I feel the same way, even though it’s not remotely where I thought I would be, or where I hoped I would be. But even here, even dealing with days that are, through illness, at best awful or worse, and given little cause for hope, I can still do my part.
‘
I wanted to be a novelist; but instead, from a place where hope is scarce, I can nurture hope, and bring it to others, through my words. I can let people know that even in the face of pain and fear – sometimes stark terror – life endures, and it’s still worth living, because we are given the choice for joy in every moment that we are granted.
We are given the choice for faith, not the sentimental faith that a miracle is BOUND to come, nor the surrendering that we’ll be with Jesus soon anyway, but the faith that the strength to see each day out will be given as we need it.
It’s not a good place to be, but it’s my place, and I will do my best.
If I may add a musical and video coda that I find both comforting and inspiring, here is Joe Strummer singing “The Minstrel Boy”, with scenes from Black Hawk Down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj2j7R1NL-s
Thanks Andrew! Life is always worth living, sometimes it’s hard and we don’t know the purpose in the pain or confusion, but God is there. We have that hope to hold tight to, no matter our circumstances.
So true, Catherine! I read about that as well. As someone who’s only just started on the writing journey, I found myself very discouraged. Then I remembered that God has a Kingdom that’s in need of some spreading around. His love, hope, and peace – the Good News – still needs messengers. Maybe that won’t translate into a publishing contract for some of us, but we can be sure we’re right where we need to be.
God knocked. I answered. He set me on the path.
Beautifully encouraging words which blessed me this morning. Thanks!
Thanks, Jebraun. I really hope all this flux doesn’t truly discourage new authors. I hold out hope for CBA and trust things will start to turn for the better. Some publishers are pushing for change – it’ll come. But I think we need to find a new brand of reader for the new books that are coming. That’s the trick. 🙂
So true, Catherine! I read about that as well. As someone who’s only just started on the writing journey, I found myself very discouraged. Then I remembered that God has a Kingdom that’s in need of some spreading around. His love, hope, and peace – the Good News – still needs messengers. Maybe that won’t translate into a publishing contract for some of us, but we can be sure we’re right where we need to be.
God knocked. I answered. He set me on the path.
Beautifully encouraging words which blessed me this morning. Thanks!
Thanks, Jebraun. I really hope all this flux doesn’t truly discourage new authors. I hold out hope for CBA and trust things will start to turn for the better. Some publishers are pushing for change – it’ll come. But I think we need to find a new brand of reader for the new books that are coming. That’s the trick. 🙂
“Because I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
And there is inexplicable peace in that.
Along with the pure, giddy, unadulterated joy that comes in following your dreams …”
Oh my word!! SO TRUE!!!!
That, and God will not be caught off guard by anything.
Great wisdom, as usual.
Thanks, friend. We can never give up, even in the midst of the storm. He’ll get us through.
I love this, Cathy. And Gandalf? Ya just gotta love that guy. The twinkle of adventure in his eye always makes me smile.
I’m loving following the dreams God planted in my heart. I’m reading the publishing news, and I’m keeping abreast, but kind of ignoring the doom and gloom right now. I want to complete the book God has given me. And step out there with it, and see where He leads. I loved your determination and your joy that comes through each word in this post. 🙂 Such hope-infused words here.
Jeanne. just keep your head down. 🙂 All I can say to authors these days is write the book. Write and don’t stop. All this will play out however it does and not much we can do about it. But we know we’re called to be writers. So God will find a place for the stories he gives us to tell. Hope is contagious. So is doom and gloom. I choose hope. 🙂
I love this, Cathy. And Gandalf? Ya just gotta love that guy. The twinkle of adventure in his eye always makes me smile.
I’m loving following the dreams God planted in my heart. I’m reading the publishing news, and I’m keeping abreast, but kind of ignoring the doom and gloom right now. I want to complete the book God has given me. And step out there with it, and see where He leads. I loved your determination and your joy that comes through each word in this post. 🙂 Such hope-infused words here.
Jeanne. just keep your head down. 🙂 All I can say to authors these days is write the book. Write and don’t stop. All this will play out however it does and not much we can do about it. But we know we’re called to be writers. So God will find a place for the stories he gives us to tell. Hope is contagious. So is doom and gloom. I choose hope. 🙂
Thank you, Cathy, for this much needed encouragement. One second I hear the voices in my mind caving to the up and downs of publishing, making me dizzy sick, and the next I hear the calm, wise words of pressing on because its the indisputable thing to do. The first I am trying to ignore because I know its source is from the evil one. The latter, I truly know Who speaks to me, and Who I must follow.
Elaine, that is so true. Block the other voices out and listen to the One who speaks truth. And the cool thing is, were all in this together. 🙂
Thank you, Cathy, for this much needed encouragement. One second I hear the voices in my mind caving to the up and downs of publishing, making me dizzy sick, and the next I hear the calm, wise words of pressing on because its the indisputable thing to do. The first I am trying to ignore because I know its source is from the evil one. The latter, I truly know Who speaks to me, and Who I must follow.
Elaine, that is so true. Block the other voices out and listen to the One who speaks truth. And the cool thing is, were all in this together. 🙂