A Trip, A Tryst, and A Terror

Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Tuesday, December 4, begins the same way it does every morning for me.  Dazedly, start the coffee.  Boot the computer.  Feed the meowing cat.  Step out onto the deck, hoping fresh, cool air will begin to wake me up before the coffee finishes brewing.

Nothing at all hints that this ordinary day is about to become extraordinary.  Gratefully sipping my first cup of coffee, I open my e-mail.  And, I see the message from my publisher.

"The book has shipped!"

Four simple words which catapult me into an orbit of joy.  Finally!  After all this time of waiting and hoping and praying, "A Trip, A Tryst, and A Terror" is on the way!

The Glade Series is launched!

Of course, I immediately e-mail my husband, Danny, with the glorious news.  He shares the tidings with his co-workers who have been asking about the book for weeks.

Wearing a smile that just won't quit, I go through the remainder of my morning routine.  Breakfast, the gym, the shower, and then, it's off to Bible study with Pastor Emily and the delightful college crowd.

As I'm driving, my cell phone rings.  It's Danny.

"You won't believe this," he says, "but the book is already available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble."

"What???"  I can't believe my ears.

"Yes!  Several people at work told me they found it.  I'm looking at it right now!"

I'm beside myself.  What amazing news this is!  When I arrive at Bible study, I share the latest with everyone.  The kids and Emily are so excited.  So much so, that one of the guys looks the novel up on his smart phone and adds it to his Christmas wish list!

"My mom won't believe I actually want a book for Christmas," he jokes, prompting laughter all round.

And, the day just gets better.  Home again, I update The Glade Facebook page.  Oh, what an incredible response!!!  My friends not only order the book, they share the news on their feeds!  Now, I'm feeling doubly, no, triply blessed!

But, that's not the end of the story.  I arrive home the next day after making arrangements for a book signing at my church when there, stacked against our garage, are four large cardboard boxes and a small one on top.  I know instantly what has arrived, much earlier than ever I could have anticipated.

THE BOOK!!!

As I hold it for the first time, my eyes fill with tears.  The.  Wait.  Has.  Been.  So.  Long . . . Yet, worth every moment when I know, in my heart of hearts, the the Lord, my God, has been in this from the beginning.  All has come to pass in His time.

And, indeed, He has lifted me up . . .

~

How is the Lord lifting you up today?

Will you join me in prayer?

Thank You, dear Father, for all Your many blessings.  May we ever be humble before You, trusting that Your mighty hand will hold us close and lift us up in due time.  Amen.