Yesterday I blogged about the webinar that took place two weeks ago, an unnerving experience that turned out to be a wonderful opportunity. My sister Mary, who I’ve leaned on since we were little girls, agreed to drive the 90 minute round trip with me… twice. “It’ll be fun,” she said, letting go of whatever else she’d planned to do that day. Her presence was a great stabilizer.
After praying with me in the parking lot before the webinar she said, “I’ll just stay in the car and work on my Bible study while you’re inside. Let me know if you need me.”
As it turned out, I did. Following the webinar, two editors expressed interest in another book possibility. Since Mary and I had begun writing about motherhood 10 years ago, we were able to share those ideas and receive professional editor- input. (Mary remembered far more than I did.) Although we hadn’t studied our files for years, talking to the editors relit our desire to write a book from old mommies to young mommies about what we wish we’d known at the beginning.
On the way home we marveled at how God moves his light along life’s path one next-step at a time, but not till he’s ready. Nothing may come of this book idea that’s been lying dormant for 7 years, but suddenly he has lit one step and asked us to walk into it.
On the way home we pulled into McDonald’s and decided to eat outdoors, since the weather was picture-perfect. We found a sunny curb out back and continued talking about the step we’d just taken. Before long a seagull appeared, begging for a French fry.
As we tossed him one, he hopped closer, and we noticed he was holding up one leg. His other foot was discolored and withered.
It was an interesting parallel to our conversation. The bird might have said, “I see those French fries but can’t walk over there.”
Mary and I could say, “There are a million books on motherhood, most written by experts. Who wants to hear from two regular moms? Let’s not take that step.” We might have said that, even while facing a lighted path.
But the bird hopped on over, and we fed him well. Mary and I have decided to hop forward, too. Maybe the book won’t come to fruition, but whenever God lights the way, it’s a good idea to step into it.
None of us has the luxury of seeing all the way down a path that’s mostly in the shadows. But when God illuminates even a small part of it, we can step (or hop) forward with confidence. And that’s especially true when most of the path is still in the dark.
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known; along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them.” (Isaiah 42:16)
Sounds like a “God thing”! I would love to give a gift of a book like that to young moms. And that is because I know the two authors and, have read their contributions to “Crib Sheet”. years ago. Go for it!!! Blessings, love Beth
Mom,
Who are you kidding? The “experts” are you and Mary. What more of an expert can there be than a Mom who’s raised 7 kids?… times two!
Totally agree with you Nelson…and it was great hearing from Mary more of the ideas for the book at our recent S.S. class retreat at Bethany Beach. I especially look forward to the chapter of Peanut Butter and Peanut Brittle.
Clar Lyn Morris
That sounds AWESOME, and I have to agree with Nelson. You two have obviously done a great job raising your families, because you had a wonderful mom, and you raised them by the best book out there, just like she did you! Go for it!
Hi Margaret,
Yep, 14 children between you will make for great content. There is nothing more humbling than parenting. I heard that a lot as I was raising my daughter, but didn’t really get it until now, when the 24-7 hands on portion of it is suddenly closed. In the moment, you are doing the best job you can. In the reflection looking back there are many woulda, shoulda, coulda wished fors. And that’s the humbling part- recognizing that the good and the bad is all of grace, all part of His design. Somehow He takes a house full of sinners and brings them into His household of saints.
I appreciate your words about God leading even with a little light and walking that path, though it be mostly in shadows. I love the Isaiah verse- new one to memorize as it is very fitting. I have no idea why I am getting this graduate degree in Biblical studies, but I feel the nudge forward with that. I think in all of my years as a Christian, there has never been a period of time when I have been so uncertain of the next thing, or when I have been so careful and cautious about it. I have also thought many times about opening my home to other children, like through Safe Families, or something like it. I don’t know if that is an emotional reaction or if the Lord is behind it. I don’t even know how to pursue anything along those lines, but I am praying for His direction, as this blind person is being lead along unfamiliar paths.
Thanks for your continue posts that always speak into my life.
Love,
Terry
I’m looking forward to the book! I’ll buy copies as gifts for my girls!
Looking forward to your book. I will send copies to my daughter in laws and other young moms in my family! What a wonderful God inspired idea!!