You should see me at home, though. Here's a typical scenario: Working on a book I walk into the kitchen for coffee where I begin emptying the dishwasher, but notice something on the counter that needs to go upstairs. Before I know it, I have half the laundry out of the dryer (yes, I have upstairs laundry and it's wonderful), but then the phone rings...and if you look back over my trail, you will see the unfinished projects in my wake.
Three hours later I notice the dryer door is still opened, my coffee cup is still in the microwave cold as anything, and the bottom rack of the dishwasher was never emptied. But I probably did go back to my desk and get some writing done. It's my passion! And if you want to know what real passion is, consider this: passion comes from a root word that means to suffer. Passion (true love) suffers. I guess that makes the phrase "the passion of the Christ" make sense, doesn't it? Jesus certainly loved us so deeply He was willing to suffer for us.
Anyway...I am so excited. I left all my books and brochures behind, my writing work, too, to turn away from distraction and responsibilites and submerge in the presence of God. Yes, I'm on my computer today, but it is getting turned off in the morning and I don't plan to get back on for the next three days. Praise God!
While I was here I received a wonderful message from someone who gave her 81-year-old neighbor a copy of Quilting Patches of Life. Her quote follows:
She commented on the comfort she received while reading your book last year as her husband was in his final days.
I also received a note from another saying:
...your ministry to me became a ministry of restoration. I began to feel hope...The more you poured out from your unselfish life, into my very wounded life, the more healing took place...Folks, it just doesn't get any better than that. Hearing I've impacted the lives of others--well, it's just awesome and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
That's what Affirming Faith is all about: encouraging everyone, wherever they are in their walk with God, to have hope--and also to share the good message that there is always more in God. I know you probably thought I had all this Christianity thing all wrapped up, but no (just kidding BTW). The man or woman at the highest pinnacle in their spiritual walk with God can still learn more and be more for Him.
Sure, I'm hoping for a nice contract on my latest novel (feel free to add that to your prayer list), but the joy of impacting lives for Jesus is far more valuable than earthly gain, and I thank the Lord for the many wonderful opportunities He's given to me.
