{Read part 1 here.}
Build your life as if you were building a house, one brick at a time. Decide early the type of house you desire and what you wish to have in it. Inquire of Me if you do not know. Some build their houses without Me. In My Scriptures, I give many details on how to build a house or dwelling. Study My plan and meditate on the details. Do not wait until you can get it perfect before you begin the process. At each juncture in the process, seek Me. You are the house of the Lord. Do you know that? I want you to have the best of houses because I want you, and others, to know just how much I love you. Inquire of Me.
These words, from the daily e-mail What the Lord is Saying, catch in my spirit. I sense God speaking to me. "Build your life as if you were building a house, one brick at a time. Decide early the type of house you desire and what you wish to have in it. Inquire of Me if you do not know.” I have dreamt of this writing life for fourteen years. Now that I am in it, I am surprised by the route it has taken; first my character being honed, then the unexpected challenges of managing my new freedom. For nearly 30 years I had been managed by an employer, now I must manage me. Doubt creeps in. Am I doing the right tasks each day? Is writing even what I should be doing?
"Inquire of Me [God[ if you do not know.” I inquire. I am surprised in the leading to spend more time in my garden growing food and possibly start a cut flower business. I have a desire to live on a farm again but…
I reason that the business could become a steady source of income as I grow the writing business. But when will I have time for researching seed, finding potential buyers, and the trial-and-error of raising crops without giving up writing time? My house is being torn in two—again. I just resigned from a job to dedicate most of my time writing the stories God wants to speak through me. What do I do??
Days pass and I am sitting in School of Ministry class. A guest lecturer, who is a life coach, speaks on building the life that is the "authentic you.” I raise my hand and state that I am living the life I want but what if you have two passions and you only have time for one. How do you choose?
He replies, "If you had 90 days to live, which would you choose?” Immediately the word "writing” leaps in my spirit.
I go home relieved I do not have to navigate an agri-business startup. As the days pass I begin to see that the though I love farming, it’s not my calling. In fact is has been used a distraction to keep me from my calling. I wonder, "Why would God allow this? Why wouldn’t He just "show me the right path…for me to follow?” (Psalm 25:4) Then I realize what He has done is "led me by His truth and taught me.” (Psalm 25:5) If I had not explored flower farming more fully it would have always been a distraction. By giving me His permission to pursue it I found out for myself that I was conflicted. And when it came right down to it I realized my passion was writing. I will not forget this lesson soon.
I may have that flower farm someday, when my writing ministry is established, but for today I am building that "living" room of writing. And I am content…at last. Thank you Abba Father, for leading me in the best path for me…to learn.
Diana
5.18.12
"By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches." -- Proverbs 24:3-4 (NASB)
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{My next post will appear May 26.}
