A Time and a Season

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens . . .

As many of you already know, my first two books of The Glade Series have been released, and the third one, pictured above, will be available any day now.  What you might not know is that all three books began as one novel entitled, aptly enough, The Glade.  When my publisher suggested I break it into a trilogy, I balk at first.  But, after giving it some thought, I decide her idea is a brilliant one, especially when it comes to marketing and cost.

I remember like it was yesterday . . . that hot, humid summer day in 2009 when I typed the final sentence of The Glade.  Oh, what joy!  Such elation!  I'm finished at last!

But, not a week goes by, and I find I'm going through withdrawal.  I'm missing my characters as if they are truly live family and friends.  The ache is acute and persistent.

I give in . . .

Back to the computer I go to begin what is then my envisioned Book 2.  Once again, I'm immersed in the world of Davy and Grey, Kate and Jim, Anna and Mary, Bob and Susie, and the Old Ones whom Davy has finally met.  My mind is racing.  My fingers are flying.  Chapter after chapter after chapter . . .

Then . . . I hit a hurdle.  A place in the story which stops me dead in my tracks.  For the first time since beginning the novel series, I'm stumped.  Unsure of where to go next.

God, where are you?  Why are You stopping me here?  Why aren't the words, the ideas, coming?  I'm confused.  God, are You listening?

Yes, He is listening.  He always does.  It is I who is not.  Not yet.  Not knowing how or why or wherefore.

But, deciding to trust that all will be well in the end.

After all, I don't even have a publisher for the first book yet.  What's the rush? And, if the fate of the first novel is uncertain, why would I expend energy now on a sequel?

Reluctantly, but resignedly,  I put the manuscript aside.  Just for now . . .

But, that "just for now" turns into days.  Months.  Years.

Why?  Because, this interim is a season for other ventures.  The writing of my devotional blog.  Growing closer to the Lord through daily studying His Word and going to Him in prayer.  Learning ways to successfully market a book.  Landing a publisher.  Improving my writing/editing skills.  Becoming more disciplined in my craft.

And, now?  Well, that's the good news!  Just this past week, God removes that hurdle, that stumbling block, and lovingly invites me back to the story.  I have no idea how it will all unfold, but I know with confidence that He does.

And, I trust Him.  Completely.

For everything is in His timing, and that's just fine with me.

~

Have you ever stopped doing something because you knew the time wasn't right?

Will you pray with me?

When we listen to You, Father, we can never go wrong.  Help us to understand that Your timing is perfect.  Guide us toward the goals You have set before us.  May we ever feel Your loving presence in every season of our lives.  Amen.