It's been awhile since I blogged. What a whirlwind since November! If there's anything I've learned from the last few months it's the value of waiting on God and His perfect timing. It's trusting that He knows what He's doing and when to do it.
I had all but given up publishing my novel. I came to the point of saying to God, if this was written between you and me, I'm OK with that. I talked to a writer friend who had recently had her first novel published. I told her how hard it was to find a publisher. BIG names wouldn't let you in unless you are Billy Graham's daughter or some other fame...and small companies...well I had an interesting time with my first book and a one-person show publisher. I looked up my friend's publisher and was amazed. It really looked like the perfect fit for my book. And it wasn't too big or too small...it was just right. I sent it in one last time. I decided this was it. The guidelines stated if you didn't hear in a month, you weren't going to be published by them. A month came and went, and I was OK with not getting it published. I moved on so to speak. Then three months later an email came apologizing for the delayed response due to huge amounts of manuscripts sent in, "we want to publisher your novel with a date of August 2015". Isn't that just like God? He waits until you give it all up, and then he gives it back. And I have confidence that my motives are pure. I have no need for accolades or attention. This is purely and simply a labor of love that I hope will touch others. I'm so thankful for the process and the way it all happened.
Meanwhile, after assuming the publishing thing wasn't happening, I pursued Para Educator subbing with the school district. This to turned out to be a long, tedious process. One I many times decided must not be happening. Only days after find out about the novel I got the word that I was on the sub team and headed to orientation. My goal was 2 days a week. Enough to give me the extra money I needed without sacrificing things like my day with my very busy husband, or the time I needed for pure sanity since I'm running around most nights with two teens. My first 1 day sub job turned into 3 more days, which turned into 5 more weeks.
Suddenly I had a book to edit, a job each day, and a crazy life with a pastor and 2 kids. I thought I might not make it about 3 weeks in. The job stretched me. I was working with kids...some with difficulties. I even taught a couple of classes. I didn't imagine every doing that, let alone really enjoying it. There were a few melt downs and struggles, and I would NEVER want to work that many hours at this point in my life again, but I learned to rely on God. I had to go to Him for strength because I didn't have it in myself. And now that I'm working 2 days a week and somehow, I managed (with my husband's help) to get most of the edits done and haul kids every which way, and "do" the holidays, I am reflecting on the amazing journey. I have grown in ways I never thought possible this last couple of months. I can see now, that MY plan would never have allowed for all this growth. My plan would have been easy and I would not have gained the rich blessings I have. I am so thankful that His timing is everything.
