The ACFW conference fog is slowly lifting. It’s always such a blast, but so much information to absorb. Over the next several weeks I plan to share the highlights of this year’s conference in Dallas. Today is only the beginning.
One thing I heard from Karen Ball in her class Writing that Sings really stuck with me. We can only do what God has tasked us to do, to the best of our abilities. This hit home because I’m the girl who always wants to help out. I end up taking on too much, and getting seriously overwhelmed. So this piece of advice is something I can use.
The key for me is to bring the opportunities before God, and cling to what he wants. In my own wisdom, I can weigh my next project or the task someone asks me to do with what I actually have time for. But I’ve been doing that, and it hasn’t worked for me.
What if there’s someone else God wants to use to lead that Bible study? Maybe it would be a blessing to them, instead of a burden to me. When Karen said that, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I can let something go, if that’s what God wants. Without worrying about what everyone else thinks.
In this humanistic society, it’s so easy to worry about what people will think or others’ expectations. Our whole society is built around what other people want. Celebrities, your boss, your family. But no matter what, God is in control. Even when I wrestle Him for control. I know He has a call for each of our lives, and He will see it through. That promise is all we have to cling to for now.
So I pray God reminds us of His promise for us, so we can cling to it tighter than ever.
ACFW
Oct 03, 2012 @ 13:36:02
I’m trying to figure out how to get rid of things, too. Leaving it all in God’s hands.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 13:39:22
It’s so hard sometimes! Especially to find the right balance. It never works unless I surrender to Him. In the end, I guess that’s all he really wants.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 13:49:00
Oh my good grief! How did we miss each other in Dallas??? I was in Karen’s class too! I’m kicking myself we didn’t get to meet in person.
Those words spoke to me as well. You’ll have to email me and tell me how everything went for you!
Oct 03, 2012 @ 13:57:52
It was kind of a last minute thing, going to Dallas. My hubby just decided to save money and we both went. So much fun! We’ll have to figure out another way to meet offline.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 16:25:53
Very comforting words of wisdom. Glad you enjoyed the conference. Maybe I’ll go next year.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 16:52:45
It’s great meeting other writers and learning from great editors, agents, and authors. I always come away encouraged.
Oct 22, 2012 @ 09:56:28
I know I’m adding my thoughts a bit on the late side, but you know, it’s interesting to see where God leads me when He leads me: so today, I thank you for the reminder via Karen Ball that we can only do what we can do to the best of our abilities and He will take care of the rest.
Funny too because I was in Karen’s workshop but because of my appointments had to leave early and never made it back on time, so this is perfect!
Oct 22, 2012 @ 10:06:59
God really spoke to me through Karen’s comment, so I’m glad it spoke to you, too. It’s amazing how God connects the dots, isn’t it? I love it!