@bethvogt
My goal was simple: Sort through a stack of papers that needed to be filed.
I never expected to return to the beginnings of a dream.
A white restaurant napkin scribbled on both sides with words written in black ink and protected by a plastic page protector was slipped among the workshop notes and conference brochures and book contracts and royalty statements.
A napkin full of notes represents the beginning of a dream?
Yes, yes, it does. Dreams can have peculiar beginnings.
I was that little girl who loved words and books and English assignments. Who dreamed of being a writer. But I didn’t dream of writing happily-ever-afters – maybe because, for a long season in my life, I didn’t believe in them.
When I embarked on the writing road in college, I chose journalism – nonfiction writing and editing. Years later, God used a season of burnout to transition me to writing fiction.
I had a lot to learn about writing novels. Any kind of dream, my friends, is hard work.
What does a white napkin filled with a bunch of scribbles have to do with my late-blooming dream of writing fiction?
I brought those notes back from my first fiction writers retreat, the product of a writing exercise where a bunch of wannabe-writers brainstormed our manuscripts’ opening sentences while we ate dinner.
Accomplishing that exercise? It was the first time I thought, “I can do this.”
Writing a good first sentence was hard. The thought of writing the entire novel scared me. I’d arrived that weekend with a 40-thousand-word manuscript. I went home and, based on the feedback I’d received, tore my story apart. My word count was smaller. My challenge loomed larger.
That flimsy white napkin reminded me I could do this.
Here I am, years later, a published author. To be honest, 2020 hasn’t been the easiest writing year for me. While I published my 13th book in May, I’ve wrestled with my writing dream. At times I’ve doubted it.
Finding the napkin among that sloppy pile of papers reminded me there’s no expiration date on the “it’s gonna’ be hard” clause when you pursue a dream. That I can do this writing gig, even if I’m not exactly sure how to do it today. I can take it one day at a time and do what I know to do now, while I pray and ponder over what to do next.
What about you? Does your dream seem too hard?
Find a way to go back to the beginnings of your dream. Remember some of the hard things you conquered way back then. Whatever you’re facing today, you can stare down the hard again. Give yourself time. And don’t be afraid to seek the encouragement of those you trust – those who’ve walked with you as you’ve pursued your dream.
Choosing to Return to the Beginnings of Your Dream https://bit.ly/3doUq5C #dreams #encouragement Click To Tweet 'When you have a dream that you can't let go of, trust your instincts and pursue it. But remember: Real dreams take work ... Click To Tweet
Comments 10
Yes, good. I’m glad you’ve kept the plastic protected sheet napkin to fly like a battle flag on a beach head of hard-won land. There’s more to come. I sense some valuable new writing territory will soon be yours AND make your readers richer.
Author
Dee: And this is proof how the encouragement of others is invaluable to pressing on toward a dream. Thank you, my friend.
I roomed with you at that retreat, and my life hasn’t been the same since that fabulous weekend. Not only did I meet lifelong friends, but God used that pivotal time to grow my writing career.
You didn’t find that napkin by accident–God used it as a reminder of the calling He’s placed on your heart and your life. Sure, it’s hard, but you, my sweet, can do this. <3
Author
It was a joy to be roomies with you during that retreat, LJ. And it’s been a greater joy to walk the writing road with you all these years and watch your writing career flourish.
This morning, yes, I have a dream,
it’s one most won’t believe,
and though so modest it may seem,
I’d merely like to breathe.
I really do not mind the pain
that comes with taking air;
just breathing once, and then again,
each breath a silent prayer
offered to The One Above
in gratitude and hope,
that I’m still here to channel love,
and that I’ll gladly cope
with whatever comes my way
in praise until my final day.
Author
Andrew, my friend, I prayed for you this morning. And earlier this week too. And yes, I know your dreams have been refined like gold. They are truer dreams — not modest at all.
It’s never too late to start again. I can be pulled away from my dream but God never let’s it die! Thanks for the encouragement today to faithfully continue even through the hard.
Author
Yes, Lynn, God safekeeps our dreams for us and encourages us through our mentors and friends … and unexpected keepsakes.
I’m in the “I need to dig down deep” stage to get back on track with my writing.
Author
Denise: I understand this stage. Praying for you, friend.