How many new projects have you and I started in our lifetimes? I can only speak for myself, but if I count New Year's resolutions and every time I go to bed promising myself to start an entirely new schedule the next day or beginning a new food regimen (sounds less intimidating than the word diet), I would easily guess the number to be in the hundreds; maybe more.
The things I listed are pretty standard for most people, but there have been times when I have embarked on a totally new journey; a new location or a new job experience or an educational realm I have not tried in the past. Those are BIG things. SCARY things.
Recently, my 5-year-old granddaughter competed in her very first swim meet. She was excited beyond words and also nervous and filled with trepidation. She had practiced and prepared, but now the time had come. She was standing on the platform.
When, at age 55, I made the decision to enroll in college, it was a BIG thing. It was all well and good to tell everyone about it and be excited, but when I had to walk into that first class, I was standing on the platform and I was frightened. When I decided to not hold a traditional job any longer and write, full-time, that was another platform I jumped from, and it was scary.
The things I listed are pretty standard for most people, but there have been times when I have embarked on a totally new journey; a new location or a new job experience or an educational realm I have not tried in the past. Those are BIG things. SCARY things.
Recently, my 5-year-old granddaughter competed in her very first swim meet. She was excited beyond words and also nervous and filled with trepidation. She had practiced and prepared, but now the time had come. She was standing on the platform.
When, at age 55, I made the decision to enroll in college, it was a BIG thing. It was all well and good to tell everyone about it and be excited, but when I had to walk into that first class, I was standing on the platform and I was frightened. When I decided to not hold a traditional job any longer and write, full-time, that was another platform I jumped from, and it was scary.
There was no turning back in the swim meet or in life. I had to 'jump in' to the classes and later, into writing for an income. The water was cold when I first hit it, but I had to start swimming. I realized I was out of my element in both situations, but I asked for God's help and guidance and I started swimming.
There were many students who were traditional students. I, obviously, was not. I wasn't worried about the classes or the homework. I was pretty sure I could hold my own. What I didn't know were all the 'other things' that go with college attendance. Which buildings the classes were in was a pretty basic need, the credits required for the degree I wanted, the GPA equation, the classroom rules: can I leave when I'm done with a test, and just how much of my opinion can I express in class, etc. As far as the writing career; I had attended a few conferences and I was certain this was God's plan for my life, but could I make it to the other end of the pool and not drown on the way?
My granddaughter knew she could swim the length of the pool, but could she do it in a certain time, without stopping, etc?
My granddaughter knew she could swim the length of the pool, but could she do it in a certain time, without stopping, etc?
She started out strong, but soon became a bit tired and slowed down. She reached for the rope but kept going, struggling. I started fast and strong in college, but there were many times, I became tired and I reached for the rope. I was going to classes full-time and working a 40+ hours job. I also had a daughter who needed me and my time. Thankfully, God was my rope. I would hang on and then start swimming again, headed for that goal at the other end.
In the video of the swim meet, there are many people cheering her on. Her parents and sibling, other parents, the coach, and even the timekeepers. Everyone wanted Emily to accomplish her goal.
I was blessed with many supportive cheerleaders, also, while I was in school and in my writing endeavors. They have prayed for me, called me, encouraged me, and keep me heading in the right (write) direction.
In the video of the swim meet, there are many people cheering her on. Her parents and sibling, other parents, the coach, and even the timekeepers. Everyone wanted Emily to accomplish her goal.
I was blessed with many supportive cheerleaders, also, while I was in school and in my writing endeavors. They have prayed for me, called me, encouraged me, and keep me heading in the right (write) direction.
Emily made it..YES! She didn't care that all the other swimmers were done before her, or that she almost gave up halfway to the other end or that she hung on to the rope a few times. She made it. She continued until she reached her goal. She overcame the obstacles of fear and fatigue and pushed on. I am so very proud of her; it makes me cry.
I reached my goal in college. I was even on the dean's list. I am not saying that for any praise, only to let you know brain cells do still work after 55 years and you can achieve what seems like an impossible goal, IF you reach out and hang onto God's hand and rest in Him.
The writing; I am still swimming toward my goals, and some obstacles, mostly financial, are almost insurmountable, but I cling to my Rope and I listen to the people who encourage me and I will keep on swimmin'
I reached my goal in college. I was even on the dean's list. I am not saying that for any praise, only to let you know brain cells do still work after 55 years and you can achieve what seems like an impossible goal, IF you reach out and hang onto God's hand and rest in Him.
The writing; I am still swimming toward my goals, and some obstacles, mostly financial, are almost insurmountable, but I cling to my Rope and I listen to the people who encourage me and I will keep on swimmin'
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