A Success Story
7 July 2009
I’m on Twitter. And every once in a while when I “tweet” (gosh, I hate that expression), mine posts right above my idol, Sarah Dessen. She’s on a massive book tour right now, so my tweets often look kinda lame next to hers. Like last Wednesday I posted that my book was officially out. Ten minutes before, Sarah had posted that her latest book was featured on Good Morning America.
It’s really important—and I’m still trying to figure out exactly how to accomplish this—not to compare yourself to others. Now, Sarah’s been a published author for about twelve years, so that’s not too hard. But in twelve years, if my book isn’t mentioned on GMA, I can totally see myself thinking, “I’m a failure compared to Sarah.”
We—okay, forget that. I have visions of what success looks like. Right now that vision is fairly low scale. Success looks like bookstores actually carrying my book. Success looks like someone who doesn’t know me, who doesn’t know my parents or in-laws, actually picking one up and buying it because it looks interesting.
But my vision doesn’t always line up with God’s vision for me. I thought He should publish me at eighteen. I thought that would be an excellent testimony to His Glory. (Insert me rolling my eyes here.) I also thought He should publish me before we started having kids. Made more sense to me to get my career going, and then do the whole mom thing. He instead got the ball rolling when McKenna was a week old.
God has been present in my journey to publication. Even my agent has said on more than once that it’s a miracle I got published. God has plans for Skylar, but it doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed a spot on a best seller list, or that Skylar and Connor will be the next Bella and Jacob (quiet, Twilight fans).
About a month ago, I discovered Hebrews 6:10-12 and now keep it posted on my computer to remind me of my focus. It says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
If I keep my focus on God and give Him my best, I’ll succeed in the way that matters. And the same goes for you.
Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!
I was reflecting on this last night too! I thought I should be published at 15. Obviously didn’t happen;-) Didn’t stop me from thinking it at every age along the way. Now I’m to the point in my prayers when I’m like, “God, is it okay to feel like this is the time? Because I always feel like this is the time, but you always have other plans, and I know it’s eventually going to happen, but . . . yeah. Now? Maybe? Soon?” LOL.
Your reminder is a great one for everyone. We’re not called to be our heroes. We’re called to be our best. And thankfully, He knows how to help us get there.
Posted by Roseanna on 7 July 2009