
A few weeks ago, I shared the whispers of a couple of dreams I had tucked safely away. Literally, in a matter of days, those dreams started popping out of their shells.
I love writing! It gives me a tremendous pleasure to write to you. Writing and sharing stories for kids gives me as much joy. Loving what we do, assured it is our vocation, doesn't mean there isn't room for growth and learning.
I'm off to a writers' conference! It's my first one. Not conference, I've been to lots of those. It's my first writers' conference. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it sure is to me.
Have you ever longed to share with like-minded people? Wondered what they thought? Wondered if you had something to contribute? A little frightened at the prospect of challenges or lack of common ground or affirmations?
And yet, I'm hungry. Hungry to learn.
Now for the ginsu knives part ("Wait, there's more!"). The tiny, not quite dream that had been dormant for nearly twenty years is also going to become reality, at least partly. Once again, God remembered what I forgot.
On a trip to Colorado, when our kids were much younger, we saw the YMCA camp. A teacher at our school had talked about her family's annual trip to the camp and how much fun they always had.
Three years ago when Tom and I went to Estes Park, we saw the new and even better "camp". This time a niece and her family had recently gone and also had a great experience. Even with grown kids, Tom and I still thought it would be wonderful to have a family trip.
Well, son-of-a-gun! The writers' conference is at the YMCA camp in Estes Park, AND Mary and the granddaughters are going, too! Tom and I are ecstatic! He can't wait to explore the mountains with the girls. I can't wait to share the writing and learning experience with Mary.
Dear Reader, let me be very clear on two points. First, it is all about the Lord and His goodness. (" The things he does are great and glorious! There is no end to his goodness." Psalm 111:3 ERV) Secondly, on every occasion, I didn't do anything to deserve His favor. ("The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41b NIV)
What are you hungry for? What's tucked away, or perhaps dancing on the fringes of hope? What works for me is knowing my hopes and dreams and longings are not dependent on me. What works for me is knowing that when God's will for my life is top priority, He shares my hopes, dreams, and longings. He also has even greater ones for me. Come, dream with me!
This week, I'll be linking this post to Giving Up on Perfect and Coffee for Your Heart.