As I patiently wait for the publishing process to be completed on my first children’s book, TheRight Road, I know that He is in the waiting.
The book has been edited, illustrated, and paid for. So now what? Wait. My author liaison said “the vetting process is the most tedious and feels like the longest of all the processes. Once it is through this stage, I can assure you, it will move at rapid speed.”
In the waiting:
- I am reflecting on my years of delayed obedience (which is clearly disobedience until done) to God in publishing a book and allowing it to feed me a dose of urgency in following God.
- Counting my blessings and praying for all who have supported and encouraged me along the way.
- As I glance through the illustrations, I’m reminded of how grateful I was to have grown up surrounded by a mulititude of family, friends who are like family, quiet country roads, the church where I attended which my grandpa helped build, and all the memories of a love-filled childhood.
- Praying that, as God often whispered to me, that “just one” will be reached for His kingdom.
- Appreciating the EABooks Publishing staff for praying with me on each phone call, encouraging me along the way, and having such sweet spirits about them.
- I’m wishing I had an editor in my life daily. LOL! I’m so grateful that the editor kept my voice during the process, while making it grammatically correct and fluid.
- Praying that each person (especially the young at heart) who reads this simple reminiscing story will evaluate their own life and decide to choose the right road and follow Christ.
- I am so grateful that in the waiting, God is still working.
We each are waiting on something; a job, a relationship, news of results from an illness, to feel loved and heard, for this pandemic to pass, etc. are all seasons that waiting can be hope or hopeless, anxiety filled or with peace, heartbreak or heartfelt. How we respond in the waiting can be (should be) a testimony to others. A slight change of perspective can make a huge difference in our attitude.
I’ve had seasons when my attitude has been one of hopelessness, anxiety, and heartbreak. Then there have been seasons of waiting when I chose to feel at peace, hopeful, and heartfelt. I can testify that the latter attitude is more pleasant and productive, for me and those around me.
No matter what season of waiting you are in, please know that Jesus is with you. He wants you to grow closer to and rely on Him during the process.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
This an one of the illustrations from The Right Road.
Here are some extra thoughts about this photo:
When I see this photo of the street signs, I am reminded of generations of Christians both relatives and church families. You see, I grew up on Walter Hunter Road. Walter was my great grandpa. The little home of Laura and Walter Hunter is where I remember spending thanksgiving with fifty plus Hunter-clansmen. It is still there today on Walter Hunter road. The home has recently been sold and looks a bit different nowadays, but the memories will always be in my heart.
Welcome road was the name of the road that my childhood church is located on. If it was a Sunday or Wednesday, that’s where you would find my family. Playing with my friends outside the church, having hayrides while singing Christmas carols, receiving gifts from Santa, going to Sunday school, participating in the children’s christmas program each year, reaching into my grandpa’s shirt pocket for a stick of gum or a golden wrapped butterscotch candy, and getting baptized are just a handful of memories that come to my when Isee this street sign.
Our family’s land was on the southeast corner of Walter Hunter and Welcome roads. Even though that location marked the end of our acreage, the whole welcome community was home to me.
You could say that that street sign reminds me of who I am.
What do you remember about the road you grew up on?