Monday, February 11, 2013

A Whole New Level






"Mom, I'm scared to go to the new school."

Change can be daunting. As 6th graders, we were the seniors in our school, the kids who were selected as hall monitors and protectors of the younger students. Now, Junior High School loomed before us.

Instead of being in one classroom, we'd be traveling to 5 or 6 each day. Simple math gave way to the mysteries of Algebra 1, and homework descended on us like the recent Hurricane Sandy.

As time went by, we adjusted and got into a routine. We learned to prioritize, study, and juggle the many new tasks. By the time Christmas vacation arrived, we were old pros.

Writing and having novels published is a giant leap for me. Short devotionals, stories in compilations, and articles for Sunday School take-home papers were a taste of the publishing industry. Now, I'm entering a whole new phase of writing: authoring books.

I was thinking about all the changes the other day and quoting Scripture like mad to keep panic from taking over. This thought dropped into my heart: You'll be doing the same thing only on a larger scale. It gave me a new perspective on the situation.

Photo Credit:  snnellis

Question for you: Do you thrive on change or does it take time for you to wrap your head around new challenges?

11 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. you've given your life meaning through all your writings - starting small, building etc .. and now authoring a book - that will be such a joyous time - daunting, but fun too ...

Good luck and I love change - totally thrive on it ... cheers Hilary

Linda O'Connell said...

Susan, your gifts will touch others. Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel overwhelming, but your gifts will touch others. you have been preparing for this debut through your other efforts. I wish you the best.

Jessica Nelson said...

Don't panic!!!! You're going to do great :-)

I think I handle change okay. But it really depends on what kind.

Diane Estrella said...

I'm not uber thrilled with change but know at times I need to go with the flow. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary - Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.

Hi Linda - My goal is to touch the hearts of readers. As long as my dependence is on Him and not my own resources, I know He'll give me the wisdom I need.

Hi Jess - I'm okay now. Everything is so new, but I'm blessed with a great agent, a patient publisher, and my awesome Heavenly Father.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

Change seems to be my destiny for this year. Everyone was talking about their word for the year. I'm seeing mine is, "Hold steady." (Okay, that's two words, but it's been a big year!)

I'm sure glad I have friends like you to support and remind me that everything will work out as I trust Him.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I am not a fan of change so it takes me a while to wrap my head around it. But it's usually a good thing and I trust the Lord to work it all out. :) Cheering you on in your journey!
Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen,

Isn't it funny how we don't like change, but it's necessary if we want to achieve our goals?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

Depends what kind of change it is. :) I can surely become deeply stressed during many periods of change. Scripture, God's Word, is the rock beneath my feet.

Blessings, Susan.

Loree Huebner said...

Change has always been good to me once I accepted it. Not always easy to do at first.

One giant leap for Susan...Yay!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda - I know what you mean. A few years ago, I went through some heart-wrenching changes. I'm thankful that recent changes have been the happy kind. :)

Hi Loree - Yes, this was a giant leap and was totally orchestrated by the Lord! Wow, when He opens the doors, they fly open fast.

Blessings,
Susan :)