Dianne Matthews here, with my maiden First Monday of the Month blog post!
It's amazing how quickly feelings can change, isn't it? I'd tried to sell that proposal for a couple of years. A few houses had voted on it, but no luck. Finally, a publisher had not only accepted, but they'd offered a two-book contract! For weeks, all I could pray was "Oh God, what a blessing! This had to be your doing--to think they would take a chance on an unknown author like me."
Then reality (or my perception of it) set in.
I figured out that I'll need to work 50-60 hours/week on the book until mid-November. How will I fit in all the other stuff writers are expected to do? Maybe I can't meet the deadline. Besides that, maybe I was right about this idea not being suitable for a 1-yr. devotional. And after publishing almost a thousand devotionals, maybe I don't have anything left to say. And maybe my spiritual life isn't up to par right now and I don't deserve this responsibility. And maybe...
Then I remembered writing my first book in 2004. I had 6 months to find something interesting connected with each day of the year (historical event, pop culture, holidays), research it, pair it with a biblical example/practical application/verse. One day, I slumped over my computer, fighting the panic. What was I thinking--me write a book? Then I confided in a neighbor, "Dianne," she stated firmly, "I can't believe that God gave you this tremendous blessing just to let you fail."
Why should I need a reminder that getting a contract or assignment is a tremendous blessing, or that even to have been published at all is a privilege? Or that God has called me to this and therefore will help me finish? It's because I felt the burden of negative "maybe" thoughts. Maybe I should remember one of my favorite verses: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Great post Dianne! I love what you had to say. You are perfect for this blog!
Posted by: Jeanette | August 03, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Thank you, Jeanette, for letting me be part of this team.
Posted by: Dianne Neal Matthews | August 03, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Words of wisdom. I would expect that from you. You are gifted.
Posted by: Karen Robbins | August 04, 2009 at 06:54 AM
I needed that post. I keep making secondary plans even though I know what I should be doing. I've been living with "maybe" and it has been driving me crazy! I'm going to start today with "I know..." and move forward with the confidence I used to have. Thank you!
Posted by: Jenny | August 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM