“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” HEB 11:1-2, 8-12 This line shouted out to me from all the readings (and they were all great!) during Mass yesterday. Our pastor likened faith to being in between first and second base…most of us just want to stay on first base, not taking a chance we’ll get tagged out, might not make it to the next base, can’t run that fast…etc. And I think Monday morning just hikes that feeling up a notch. When Friday comes and my 9 to 5 workweek is coming to an end, I start feeling motivated to keep writing my next novel, The Runaway Prophet, (a modern-day story based on the Book of Jonah) – I tackle it on Saturday and continue on Sunday if I can (depending on kids’ schedules, etc.) – and then by Sunday night I am winding down…and then…Monday morning hits and I feel totally DONE. Like I want to go back to first base and just stay there. Like, “why did God give me this inclination to write modern-day Bible stories in the first place – wouldn’t it just be easier to NOT want to do this?” Then I think of the faith David had despite all his persecutions (after all, I did write about him in my second novel, The Peace Maker, so I should be familiar with how he felt!)…and I realize God still has my back, that I just need to inch forward, that I will make it to second base – and who knows, maybe even third and home!
Michele, I am always amazed at writers like you who have so much on their plates yet somehow you manage to carve out time to write. If you continue to be faithful to your calling, I know God will bless your commitment. Thanks for your dedication.
Catherine,
Thank you so much for your response! I used to be envious of authors who didn’t have to work a 9 to 5 job and could write at their leisure – and then I hear about single moms who can’t pay their bills and have to put off their writing altogether…so I tell myself, don’t compare! And “to everything there is a season” – but it sure helps getting uplifting words from other authors like you! And hey, if JK Rowling could do it, so can we, right? Have a blessed day,
Michele