Monday, December 6, 2010

Hold Onto The Vision - Part I

Glasses. Reading doesn't happen these days without them. The DMV requires me to wear them when I drive. Now, I think I see just fine, but their eye test proved me wrong. With the proper specs, I can now distinguish signs and objects I missed before.

Even as physical vision is critical to daily tasks, a purpose, direction, dream, vision, or whatever you want to call it is vital to fulfilling our destinies as writers. With the New Year approaching, it's time to take a closer look, re-evaluate, and make course corrections.

Have we stayed true to the vision and direction God gave us? Have we trusted Him with our writing dreams or have we grabbed the reins and pushed Him out of our writing life? Have we grown discouraged and lost sight of the vision altogether?

This year brought many positive events, but I also fought with the temptation to chuck the whole fiction-writing endeavor. Shocked? Don't be. Every writer comes to that crossroad at one time or another.

In next week's post I'll share more about my experience, how I overcame the weariness that set in, and how I put on a special pair of "eyeglasses" to once again focus on the direction God gave to me.

What has your year been like? Do you struggle to keep a forward momentum?


30 comments:

Kathleen said...

Oh yes! I'm all for course corrections.

It's been a "visiting Oz" sort of year for me. A whirlwind swept me up last March, and I've been a dervish ever since. It's all good, but I'm sure looking forward to seeing Auntie Em someday soon.

Hugs,
Kathleen

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I,also, have needed to correct my course. It's very easy to begin to feel that "I" am in charge. But, I personally do better when I allow God to 'take the wheel.'
This past year, I have written several skits for our church Drama Ministry. The pastor told people we in the Drama ministry team had not let the people down. We always have a Christian message in each skit and our major plays.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

For the last several weeks I've struggled to stay on the path. I think my vision for what I want to write has changed and it's affected my productivity. But I'm working on it and hopefully I'll get back on track for the new year.

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I think we all go through that Susan, you are right. I need to be reminded constantly of staying my course and not be intimidated by discouragement, rejection or failure. Great post, looking forward to your story...

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Writing-wise, not much happened... not even from my end. That's disappointing. But the fact that we have the opportunity to do things differently in the year to come- that is a great thing!

Patti Lacy said...

Wanna join my Colossians 3:23 group? It sure has set wind in my sails, which have been, with the Spirit's help, spanning seas and secrets. And the boat's about to dock in a little town called Normal.

Blessings, dear one.
Patti

Anonymous said...

Many of my 2010 goals have not been met. But are they God's goals or mine? I need to reflect on that this season.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

I've been trying to get back to Kansas myself. This writing journey can give us whiplash. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

We can get so wrapped up in the process that we get lax about covering our writing in prayer. I'm glad you have a strong focus and keep Him first.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

While course corrections are necessary, they can jar our writing equilibrium. It takes time to adjust.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

Thanks. I hope my experience can encourage other writers to not give up when things get crazy.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Good point. I have goals, but He may have a different plan.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

It's not too late to do something this year. I'm working on a submission to an anthology right now. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Patti -

Thanks for the invitation. I'll have to check it out. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Karen Lange said...

Good analogy. It's something I need to ponder as the year comes to a close.
Blessings,
Karen

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Susan,

I needed to read this post today. Thank you! I want to please God by writing only for Him. It's so easy to lose sight of that at times.

Thanks,
Mel

Rosslyn Elliott said...

My year has been a crazy whirlwind of activity, and I haven't wanted to quit writing, but I've wanted to quit everything else. :-)

Tyrean Martinson said...

We've had a whirlwing year ending with a time of rest, and a time of intense prayer over our church family. Trusting God every step of the way, with my writing and all that's in my life is the only way we can joyfully move forward.

Rhonda Schrock said...

"Hi, my name is Rhonda, and I really stink at waiting."

That's my introduction for Impatience Anonymous. :)

Looking back, I can see God's hand throughout the year, bringing divine appointments and opportunities I could never have orchestrated myself. Do I have an agent? No. Book deal? No.

But I do have another year of building and blessing others and just plugging away, laying the groundwork.

Thank you for sharing! I'm looking forward to your next post about this.

Penny Smith said...

Hi Susan,

My vision has taken me around many different turns over the past months -- which seem so far from my original sights. Keeping on course sometimes means going around turns. Watching to see how it all turns out is like putting the glasses on. Thanks for this post.
Penny

Sarah said...

With God all things are possible. Weariness has to flee as I find my peace and rest in Him.

Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip my toes.

Splashin,
Sarah

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for stopping by and for posting a link on your blog.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Melanie -

You're welcome. It's so easy to wander down side roads and forget our purpose.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rosslyn -

I get that "stop the world, I want to get off" feeling at least once a week.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Tyrean -

Thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a Follower. I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. :)

I liked your statement about focusing on the Lord is the only way to go forward with joy. Sometimes we're moving ahead, but it's sheet drudgery. I'd much rather be in His will and filled with joy.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

We don't always meet every goal (agent, book contract), but if we're touching people's lives, we're successful.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Penny -

Yes, the Lord is often full of surprises. It sure makes life exciting.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

Welcome! Splash away. I'll be over to visit you. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Saloma Miller Furlong said...

The best to you as you "correct" your vision. I like the idea that when God closes a window, a door opens, but we need to be willing to walk through the door... I hope a door opens for you.

All the best,
Saloma

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Saloma -

I often wonder how many opportunities I missed along the way. May the Lord give us all the courage to move through those doors.

Blessings,
Susan :)