The Direction of the Lord
In the later years of her life, Laura Ingalls Wilder sat, I presume, near an open window of the home pictured above and wrote the words that fill the books in the Little House series. Fun Fact: she did not publish her first book until she was 65. This gives me hope.
As a mom of four, I spend most of my days, teaching, reading, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, wiping noses and bottoms (mostly bottoms), herding, and disciplining. I am often left with very little by the end of the day and it makes me wonder if I’ll ever be the writer I hope to be.
And then I’m reminded of God’s slow and steady ways. I’m thankful for His mighty and wonderful plans. If God wills a way for more books to come to fruition then I will gladly and terrifyingly follow Him in obedience. For now, there are pieces of my life more pressing than book writing. (And just to clarify, I am writing and have a great one in the making - but it’s slow).
I recall Ruth and Naomi’s story in the Bible. The restoration they were looking for was not immediate and it didn’t happen when they wanted. In fact, Naomi had to be faithful to the calling to go back to her land despite not having provisions or help. Ruth honored her mother-in-law above herself and chose a foreign path of uncertainty. God called Ruth to care for Naomi before considering someone to care for herself. God has a plan in every motion. Despite what we may want, our obedience to Him should be forefront.
The Lord has called me to be a shepherd to my flock. And, grandmothers know best that these little people do not keep for long. God has directed me to honor my spouse and disciple my children first and foremost. Day by day, I walk in the ways the Lord has laid out for me.
I might be 65 before I do anything else with my writing, but if it was good enough for the Little House series it’s good enough for me. And if God wants me to wait that long, I know He will be right in front, leading my way.
Whatever it is that you’re waiting on, hoping for, anticipating… hold on. Trust that the Lord who brought you this far has a plan for your next steps. He hears your desires and He uses your passions and talents to glorify His name.
