When I Least Expected . . .

I won’t lie. These past three years in a new city, living a new lifestyle have been tough. So tough that I’ve ended up being grateful that I didn’t have an outside deadline or find myself juggling several editing clients. But over the past few months, as my outlook has been improving, as my contentment has been growing, I’ve been wishing for writing or editing jobs again. Projects to force me to work more consistently. And so I presented my request to the Lord. But more than that, I surrendered the result to His will, accepted each day as it came to me, understood that His answer might mean setting aside my writing work for something else.

As I’ve lived in that place of daily (and sometime hourly!) surrender, something amazing has happened. Little by little my work life has grown again. And none of it has come because I sought the opportunity. Instead, the Lord has put His faithfulness on display. And since I believe His faithfulness to me is never just for me, I wanted to share!

For the past few months I’ve been working on a non-fiction write for hire project. Each piece is short and requires historical research, which I adore. It has eased me back into writing on a deadline as well as to the specifications of an editor/publishing house. Sticking to the facts has stretched and grown me, while at the same time reminded me what I love so much about history and how it fuels fictionally possibilities! I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit nudged my friend to recommended me as a prefect fit for the project.

A new editing job came out of the blue, too—and also through an existing relationship. Almost 10 years ago, I served at the She Speaks conference giving feedback to writers. I met a precious 18 year old with lots of talent. Rachelle Rea Cobb is now all grown up, married, has had a couple of books published, and is a freelance editor herself. (She line edited my two novellas!) Her newest story, a historical YA novel, will release in 2020 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. And through her recommendation, I am now her editor! (More on this next year when the book comes out!) I love being able to help her tell her story to the best of her ability.

Finally, I was recently given two opportunities to teach on writing—one online and one in person.

In the month of March, I will be teaching a class I’ve taught in the past called Navigating the Tightrope Between Historical Fact and Historical Fiction through Margie Lawson’s Writer’s Academy. I love teaching about historical fiction and online is a medium in which I feel very comfortable. (If you have any interest in writing historical fiction but are overwhelmed at the thought, I’d love for you to join us!)

But in October I’ll step up to teach two workshops in person—at the Permian Basin Writers Workshop. I’m so excited about this opportunity, one that came because of yet another personal connection as well as because of my experience teaching online.

All those months I spent lamenting my lack of purpose in writing, yet the Lord knew exactly what I could handle and when. He has revealed each opportunity at exactly the right moment to ease me back into the work I love as well as to continue to give me room to adjust to life shifting around me. He is a good, good Father. He gives good gifts. And His gifts are always on time, even when we are sure they are not. Great is His faithfulness.

Have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life recently—especially in an area where you thought He’d forgotten you? Please share!