Monday Cuppa--Leaving on an Airplane
Happy Monday, friends!
I hope you've been able to enjoy your morning cup of joe, perhaps brought to you by your handsome prince or, for the men here, that you've brought your princess hers.
I'm super excited because my friend, and super author extraordinaire, Katie Cushman is arriving here today. I can't wait to see her! Spending time with author friends is so much fun. It is a reminder that there are other people on this crazy journey that God's has set us on. We're going to spend some time together, see an O's game, and then fly out Wednesday morning to Nashville for the American Christian Fiction Writer's conference.
Not familiar with the ACFW conference? It's awesome. There are a ton of workshops for continued learning as well as time to meet with editors and agents and, again, time to spend with writer friends. Still, while writing conferences are an awesome place, they can also bring with them a common and familiar struggle. This is something we all deal with at some point or another, whether we write or not: comparison.
I've been focusing a lot on the beauty of our uniqueness on my FB page. Here's a recent image I shared that I hope you'll find inspiring:
Comparison exists in writing, in the arts, in everything -- and it's sad. I'll be the first to admit that I've failed in this area, but God has been showing me for quite a while that there's no need for it. Why? Because He has created each of us to be unique, knitting us together in our mother's wombs. When we embrace that uniqueness we are showing God our gratitude for his fearfully wonderful work.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
~Psalm 139:14
When we compare ourselves to others, we are either coveting what they have or believing ourselves better than them. Neither is pleasing in God's sight. Again, I'm far from perfect and I've failed in this area, but more and more God is working on my heart--showing me the beauty of reveling in our uniqueness.
So if you're headed to this, or any, conference make a new choice. Instead of comparing your writing journey to someone else's, to thank God for where He has you. He knows the plans He has for you, and they are in His timing.
If you're not a writer, this is no less true. God has a perfect plan for each of us and, while it's often far from easy, He's right there with us, holding our right hand.
"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
~Psalm 16:8
This week, I hope you'll go out and shine for Jesus. Let the world see the beautiful and unique creation you are.
Do you have a favorite bible verse or quote on uniqueness? If so, I'd love to hear it.
Blessings,