Last night I went to a friend's book signing/dinner party. (Fun!) As a fellow author, I knew several other authors at the event. When catching up with a successful friend, I told her I'd resigned from my job to dedicate my time to writing - AND building a nonprofit, SOUL, to encourage pregnant women and provide maternity housing.
She was wowed by the nonprofit idea, but then I sensed a disappointment that I still won't be fully dedicated to a writing career. Frankly, I struggle with that too. So much so, that I wonder whether the 'disappointment' was my perception of her subdued reaction. I felt almost embarrassed to admit that I continue to let other priorities compete with my writing. I feel forever divided in my loyalty. In retrospect, maybe her reaction was in response to my apologetic demeanor.
And yet - God is the potter and I am the clay. I have prayed for direction and am absolutely convinced this is exactly where God wants me right now. Maybe He created me with a split personality? LOL! But really - don't we all wear many hats? Most women are a mate, mother, daughter, sister, friend, housekeeper, cook, volunteer, PTA/school/church helper, hobbyist - AND whatever career we pursue to make a living.
My children are grown adults. (Both of them are getting married within two months!) My husband works long hours. So God has given me a dual career. Many authors are ministers, doctors, celebrities or experts of some sort and writing books is an extension of that career. Rachel Ray writes cookbooks, Billy Graham writes devotionals, and Dr. Oz writes health advice. These are accomplished icons in our culture.
So why am I apologizing? As much as my mind *thinks* I'd love to create stories and sip tea every day - punctuated with a leisurely walk on the beach - that is not the sole (SOUL!) purpose our Master Potter created for me. Therefore, I would NOT be fulfilled or happy if I didn't obey and follow His plan. God my creator knows me and my purpose far better than I know myself. How much more interesting is a multi-purpose life!
My passion for writing combines with my compassion for unborn babies and women in unplanned pregnancy. How better to write about the emotions of struggling women than to interact with these women on a regular basis? My years of experience working at a pregnancy center have been preparation for the next stage of my life. And I must admit, that accounting degree and years of running a business with my husband certainly have me better prepared to start this new nonprofit venture. I might regret studying accounting instead of something more interesting, but God has used that experience to carve the multifaceted pottery of my life and purpose.
Rather than regret past 'mistakes' or resent our present place in life, let's appreciate the unique knowledge and experiences we've been given. We learn so much from the twists and turns of life that prepare us for the bright future God has planned for each one of us. Different stages of life require different roles. None of us knows where the next step will take us, but let's hold tightly to the hand of our Master Potter and let Him mold us into a beautiful vessel He can use to serve His people.
"And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter.
We all are formed by your hand."
Isaiah 64:8
A portion of all book proceeds benefit SOUL - SanctuaryOfUnbornLife.
Find my books at www.diannemiley.com and Amazon.com.