Just over three years ago, my life took an exciting turn when the Lord opened the door for me to step into writing full time.
It’s been a time of highs and lows I didn’t anticipate. Well, I knew there’d be highs and lows. I didn’t anticipate the heights and depths or the intensity of each.
Frustration with getting published led to discouragement and the temptation to give it up and become a greeter at Wal-Mart.
But, I’m still here. Still writing. Still have days when I don’t know why.
Days when I get up in the morning and go to my writing room and stare at the blank screen, when it seems like it takes all morning to write one hundred words. And every one of them is crap.
But, I’m still here.
Even on those downer days when I look to heaven and say, “Remember, this was Your idea.”
But, I’m still here.
Because He’s called me to write. Leaving the care of it to Him is sometimes the biggest struggle.
He’s opened new doors to teach, to edit and coach and mentor. And make money at it.
New doors to ghostwrite and collaborate.
I’m still here because I have wife who loves and encourages me.
I have writing friends, mentors and partners who are closer than a brother or sister.
I’m still here because, while the vision has dimmed at times, the fire won’t go out. It comes back to life even after it looked cold and dead.
I’m here because He gives me the desires of my heart and He hasn’t changed any of them. This season continues so strong, I can’t see myself doing anything else. Ever.
So, I’m still here. And I’ll stay here. Working on my craft, working with other writers to help them be the best they can.
To keep growing because he hasn’t finished with me yet. To do all I can to bring Him honor and glory for all He’s done for me.
Thank you for sharing and for being transparent. I’m glad you stuck with it. You have been a tremendous help and an inspiration to me. You’re not alone in those moments of questioning or in the frustrations of the ebb and flow. I hope new opportunities open up for you. I hope you have a flood of creative ideas and characters that spill out onto the page. I hope you prosper in everything you put your hand to. And like you said, even on those difficult days we’re still here, and we’re still writers. It’s part of who we were made to be.
That was beautiful, Henry.
Thanks for this post, Henry… so relatable. I’m glad you have kept going despite “those” days.
Hey Henry! I’m with ya. Feeling quite discouraged at the moment, but I know God has a plan for my writing. So…I’m trusting in that! Thanks for your encouraging post!!
Darlene
God never promised it would always be easy. He just said He would always be with us. What more could we want.
Jackie
Thank you, Amelia. It’s been wonderful having you on this journey with me.
Hi Tina,
Thanks for your encouraging words. May His abundant blessings pour out on your writing and your life.
Blessings.
Hi Darlene,
I’m glad to know my words encourage you. With you as you overcome discouragement.
Thank you, Janice.
Thank you, Jackie.