I’m talking to my writer friend, Kim, the other day. About getting older, dealing with health issues. How we’re both looking forward to heaven. The completion of this part of our eternities, the end of pain.
Bible promises jump into my mind. Ones about courage, patience and hope:
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NKJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” (Galatians 5:22 NIV)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction.” (Romans 12:12 NIV)
We need courage, patience, and hope because we’re still not done. We still have things to accomplish on this side of eternity. And when my heavenly Father determines that the time is right, He will call me home. What a great encouragement and hope that is.
I need this kind of encouragement, too, right now, in fact.
Because I’m a writer. (Cue the descending trombone slide)
I’ve finished my manuscript, signed a contract. Shouldn’t that be the end of it?
Oh, no. Just like my life journey, walked in faith, I have a publishing journey to take before the novel leaves my hands for good.
The edits: I’ve just completed round one. I’m sure there will be many more coming around the bend. (“Be of good courage.“)
The waiting: Suspenseful days, waiting for my editor to get back to me. (“The fruit of the Spirit is…patience...”)
More edits: More preparations for the day of release. Will it ever end?! (“Be joyful in hope…”)
What I learn about courage, patience, and hope in the Christian life spills over into my life as a writer. And visa versa.
I’m still not done?
Apparently not. (I wish there was a sound emoji for a whining kid. But my granddaughter’s face below says it all.)
Here’s a quote for writers that should be just a few notches lower than scripture:
“The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.”
And here’s my own (that’s right, it’s not scripture) quotation:
“Be of good cheer, o writer, thy work hath a great reward if thou persevere in faith, and if thou dost not trust in thy own limited insight, but verily, doth wait on the Lord—and the editor— with patience in affliction, filled with hope.” (Dena Netherton, author and Christian)
I hope you have a great day, still not being done!
Thank you for your words of encouragement Sister! Like you I too am looking forward to heaven. Having a V-fib incident last February, dying and coming back to life, only to physically hurt more and do less, makes heaven look better everyday. Perseverance, hanging onto faith, and believe God not just believing “in” God has been my constant prayer for my new adventure in life. I’m learning to be still, trust in the dark what I knew in the light, and see that God is still in control and watching over me; a great source of peace as I wait on the Lord. So good to know that I too rest in the fact that God will call me home in His perfect time.