For several years now, circumstances have required me to pull back from activities that make me feel like I’m contributing. God whispers, “If my purpose is for you to wait, will you trust I love you no less?”
John Milton explored that struggle.
On Blindness
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Advent is a wonderful time to ponder waiting. Has a life situation caused you to feel like you can’t contribute as much as you’d like? Have you felt God’s call to “wait,” in some area?
Let’s celebrate that our thoughts, our praise, our trust in the place of waiting can all be our service to Him. Let’s also celebrate that He is faithful to love us and never leave us.
Blessed Advent Season!
His,
Sharon Hinck
I cannot imagine what it must be like living in such a debilitating situation. I pray that God gives you the strength to carry on.
I recently loaned my Sword of Lyric books to a friend, who is an avid reader, but has never really gotten into the whole "fantasy" genre. When my finished reading the books, I asked her if she liked them, and she emphatically said, "Yes! But I want her to write a fourth book!" She has mentioned that to me two times now, since she read the series. And I have to agree with her. That was my exact feelings after reading them for the first time. We especially would like to hear more about Kieran's future.
Every time I pass my book shelf and see the Sword of Lyric books sitting there, I have such a strong urge to read them. But I am the kind of person who has to read a whole series one book after the other, and since the fourth book is not out yet, I know that I will have to try and be patient in my wait to read them again.
From a huge fan of your writing, (impatiently waiting) 🙂
Renee
Thanks so much for sharing that, Renee! One neat thing I've discovered —when life circumstances interrupt writing work–is that often when I return to the writing, there are new insights that were needed for just that spot in the book. I'm hoping that one day when I return to finishing book four, I'll see how God held me back for a purpose…that experiences will help deepen and enrich the story. 🙂
In the meantime, it's always encouraging to hear about someone enjoying or being blessed by the books that ARE already written. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking time to let me know.
His,
Sharon