I feel I have much to celebrate! One year ago last October, I took the plunge, and I began to write. My blog was my first step. I was terrified when I began. I was afraid I would have nothing to say. I was afraid of what people would think. I was afraid to take the first step.
Writing had come up in prayer for almost 18 months, and I continued to shove the idea out of my head time and time again. I knew I could no longer deny my call to write. Finally, with lots of support and tough love (in the form of do it or else I am going to start it for you!!!) from my husband, my best friend, and my brother, I dove in.
As I reflect on the journey of this past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude:
-At the words that have been given to me to write
-At the people at I have met along the way
-At the opportunities that have come because of taking a risk to follow a deep desire
-At the trust you (my readers) place in me as you read my work
-At the trust you place in me as you share your thoughts, prayer intentions, and faith struggles
-At the inspiration you, my readers, are to me.
-At the support and encouragement I have received from family, friends, strangers, colleagues
-At God answering my prayer of “I will write if you give me the words”.
-At the growth I experienced in my spiritual, personal, and professional life
-At the gift of awareness that the Holy Spirit has given me to see God at work in our lives
-At the deepened love I have for my own children and husband
On the first blog entry, I quoted Rabbi Lawrence Kushner’ Setting Out. This past year has taught me just that… to be open. To be open to the amazing things that will unfold if I trust and if I am willing to be a “co-creator”, to be open to God’s love for me, and to be open to God’s presence alive and active in our daily world.
I have no idea what is ahead of me. I have no idea what road writing will take me or if it will take me anywhere. But I know that I am thankful for this journey, this wild, invigorating journey, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.
As you reflect on a journey you have been on, what are you grateful for?
Is there a deep desire that you have begun to follow or want to start to follow?
What would happen if you took a risk to follow a deep desire that God gave you?
***As I continue this journey, I ask for your continued prayers for clarity, encouragement, and hope!
Becky Eldredge
November 9, 2010