Gratitude Day 38

Thurs., July 25, 2019

Jeremiah 29:11 – I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

The last few weeks, I’ve been committed to working on a specific project. Here’s a little hint in case you don’t know. I’m working on a book.

Yep. I’m going to publish a book.

It’s taken me longer than I anticipated to pull together a rough draft. Lately, I’ve made some traction in making progress with the book. Just recently, I committed to a rough draft completion date.  

I planned to send quite a bit of time book writing this week. Yes, I have written some. But not near as much as I anticipated. Of course, over lunch today, Hubby Rick says, “Got the book done?”

Sometimes, it’s my lack of discipline why I don’t accomplish as much writing as I would like. I tackle other “easy” projects instead of the more difficult and challenging project of formulating sentence after sentence. I do the things that I don’t have to really think about rather than designing sentences that have substance as well as charisma to hold a reader.

But then, there are the unexpected interruptions that distract me as well. An unexpected phone call that then leads into something that takes hours of my time. Or an e-mail that needs a response before an upcoming meeting. Rather than working on the next chapter of the book, I spend valuable time crafting just the right response.

Time and time again in my life, I feel God leading me in a direction. I dutifully follow this leading and feel my obeidience should be rewarded. God will make this path easier because I actually listened.

I want commas at the ends of sentences as well as clear direction with no distractions and solid focus.

Instead, I feel God inserting commas and unexpected situations that creep into my life. These things quietly, but constantly, ping until I respond to them.

And so, I keep trying to put periods and God keeps replacing them with commas.

I know there’s a lesson here. I believe God’s timing is more insightful than my timing. This still doesn’t mean that at times, I prefer my timing.

If only I can remember God’s words, “Dianne, I have some amazing things planned for you. Good things. In fact, some great things. Just be patient. You’ll discover hope and find a secure future … if you will only let me continue to insert commas into your life.”

Alright, God. I get the message. Commas. Not periods.

Where is God trying to insert a comma into your life? Are you accepting of this … or still trying to put a period there?

Remember God’s words, “I have some amazing things planned for you. Good things. In fact, some great things. Just be patient. You’ll discover hope and find a secure future … if you will only let me continue to insert commas into your life.”

Timing is tricky. It can be oh, so discouraging. Maybe, just maybe, the comma will become something way beyond your imagination. And then, you’ll be glad God insisted on a comma rather than your period.

For God’s plan for my life, I am grateful.

Holy God – please be patient with me when I want to put a period when you feel a comma is more appropriate. May I yearn for Your plan for me. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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