The last time I wrote, I was preparing for a big writers’ conference and struggling to take my own advice when it came to pacing myself and setting myself up for discouragement. Well, guess what. I actually did it.
The day before the conference God allowed something to happen that not only slowed me down, but got me out of the house with a friend for a couple of hours. I accomplished things with her that I’d thought wouldn’t happen. Somehow this pointed me back in the right direction.
Once I arrived at the conference I stuck to the plan I’d made before leaving. I paced myself, let God open doors instead of giving into pressure to force them open (as if that ever works), and just enjoyed each day.
As a result, I had time to:
• Have new author photos taken
• Take a walk with a friend then sit for an hour catching up
• Be more available to those who were overwhelmed or attending the conference for the first timers
• Attend prayer and praise times
• Hear some new things from God
• Unwind after a stressful few weeks leading up to the conference
On top of that:
• I had less “low points” during the conference. Okay, I did cry once, but that had to do with life stuff, not conference-related discouragement or disappointment.
• I Appreciated a favorable response to one of my projects even more because I knew God had orchestrated it.
• I was more relaxed, enjoying each conversation, opportunity to learn, and surprise from God.
• The post-conference let down was much less intense.
• I went home eager to dive into new ideas and opportunities and actually had the energy to get started.
This reminded me how beneficial it is to make a plan and stick to it. What have you learned from similar experiences?
3 comments:
What you said about letting God open the doors rather than giving in to pressure to force them open..this really struck a cord with me. Thank you.
I agree Lynda. Loved that point!
Thanks for commenting Lynda and Julie! Yes, open doors are so much more exciting when God does it instead instead of us.
Post a Comment