“So how do you feel?” Grab a cup of coffee and I’ll share my answer.
In less than 24 hours, anyone who chooses can open a cover and read a copy of my soul. Friday, May 11, 2018 The Leader’s Wife, Living With Eternal Intentionality launches.
“Now that your book is published, how do you feel?”
Looking back—well, if only I had known…
Five long years ago, a Friday in December 2012, I wrote the last sentence to this manuscript; I experienced the exhilaration of pounding out The End. Lifting my head from the keyboard, I breathed a deep sigh of relief, and savored a sweet sense of joy. Dashing outdoors into the late afternoon sun, I shoved my hands heavenward, threw my head back, and shouted to the top of my lungs, “ YES! I am FINISHED! Thank You, God. I am FINISHED!”
But, the rocky road from then until now has been a road without a map, a road without a GPS. At least for me, that is.
Thankfully, the journey began with crystal clear guidance from The Lord: “God, if You want me to write a book, I must know this is definitely from You. I do not want any part of lighting my own fires (Isaiah 50:11 NLT). His Word contained my answer, The things I have said to you, put in a book (Jeremiah 30:1).
So, when the nuances of the publishing world remained shrouded in mystery for this neophyte, God’s encouragement kept me plodding ahead. Ongoing rejections of my manuscript provided rich fertile soil for life lessons:
“God is always working while we are waiting.” (Alistair Begg)
“Waiting is not the same as inactivity. Waiting is a commitment to continue in obedience until God speaks.” (Priscilla Shirer)
“While we are waiting for a publisher, you need to be blogging.” (Les Stobbe, my sage-of-an-agent) I am glad I obeyed.
Now, while waiting for the first copies to be delivered to my front door, I bow in worship of the One Who brought this book to pass; the only One Who deserves the praise. Not to us oh Lord, not to us, but to You be all the glory (Psalm 115:1).
So, how do I feel? I am overwhelmed with gratitude, I am weak with humility, and I am silly with excitement. It seems as though I am standing under a waterfall of God’s love and grace. In a supernatural way, I am lost in wonder, love, and praise. It is true: A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul (Proverbs 13:19).
Living With Eternal Intentionality™
Oh God, may this be a book with a mission!
