Ten years ago this spring, Michael and I visited our Pastor’s office for several sessions of pre-marital counseling. Some things were very helpful. Most topics were very awkward as you can imagine. We discussed finances, family history, goals…and intimacy. Yikes!
We had only been dating for a few months. These counseling sessions were revealing things that had not come up in the short time we had known each other.
I distinctly remember Pastor asking, “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” My knee jerk response was, “Published.”
Michael let out a snicker. He had no idea that I had true aspirations to write. I guess I hadn’t effectively conveyed this to him. How could I? There was so much to cover in the relatively few conversations that we had had. We met and married in seven month’s time. For the next few years, I secretly harbored resentment for that snicker to the point that I stopped writing altogether.
One day Michael suggested I start a blog. How would that help me reach my goal of being published? I resisted. I really had no clue what a blog was anyway. Four years ago I received a calling to encourage mothers. Along with three friends, we began a blog ministry. During those three years, I came alive again. I was sharing my inmost thoughts and improved my skills as a writer. Once that ministry had run it’s course, it was time to venture out on my own.
Since starting my own blog, I have been on a journey but have felt like I am in a holding pattern. I had almost given up on my dream, and resigned to the idea that I would pursue my passion for the written word as a hobby in this space. And I had reached a point of being content with this small platform…because after all “small does not equate insignificant.”
Having recently taken a more time-intensive job, my focus has been divided. I have not had as much time or energy to spare here as I have been pouring myself out to my students and family. But something happened during this time that I am so excited to finally share with you!
The very week I started my job, out of the blue, I received a phone call from Guideposts Magazine asking me to write an article for their print publication! I was slightly discouraged at first because I had been trying so long to get noticed, and the moment I gave up and took a job this happened. I told only my closest friends and family about this opportunity expecting it to somehow fall through. Still I continued to work with my editor over the course of several months and eventually sat for a professional photo-shoot.
Finally, exactly ten years from the month that I made that proclamation that I wanted to be published, it happened! I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in print! (You can also read the article online.) 
I honestly think God uses His time to prove a point. He wanted me to continue to pursue my dreams, but at the same time He wanted to weed out my misguided motivations. He wants to be clear that anytime I get noticed it should be for His glory. (Colossians 3:17) He wanted me to be content in all situations. (Philippians 4:10-13) And He wanted me to understand the importance of the small life and not to despise small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10)
It is important to remember that, while setting goals is good, the point of life is not reaching them. It’s about learning from the process. It’s about a Father who walks with you, lovingly corrects you, and gently guides you even when you think you are stuck in a holding pattern. And guess what? I never was in a holding pattern in the first place. The process seemed so slow that I didn’t even realize the ground we have covered together. It was just a lot of small steps of obedience and correction that resulted in a grand journey! (Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.)
So if you don’t mind, I’d like to take a moment to bask in the glory – His, not mine – and then maybe it will be time to set a new goal. Maybe ten years from now I will have a book. Only time will tell.
P.S. Michael is my biggest fan! Couldn’t have done it with out his encouragement and support! 😉
This is a part of #TheSmallLife series.
Link-Up With: The Weekend Brew and Kelly Balarie
So stinkin’ proud of you, Jen! Thanking God for your heart, your words and your patience in the wait. This speaks to my heart in ways I can’t express today, “I honestly think God uses His time to prove a point. He wanted me to continue to pursue my dreams, but at the same time He wanted to weed out my misguided motivations.” I think God uses His time to prove a point, too. And I needed that reminder this day more than any. Love you and can’t wait to buy that book (much less than ten years, I’m sure.) 😉 xoxo
Meredith,
You are a doll! Thank you for your sweet comment. I am honored to have blessed you with my words.
Jennifer
So so happy for you my friend! Headed over to read it now.
Katie,
Thank you for helping me out of my comfort zone! You have pushed me and encouraged me so much.
Much love!
Jennifer
Jennifer, I am so very proud of you for taking a leap of faith and follow your heart. You definitely have a gift of writing and not a doubt in my mind that God has been with you though it all. Pursue you dream young lady!
Mignon,
Thank you for the sweet comment and encouragement!
Jennifer
Jennifer, I am so proud of you. What a wonderful article. Love the pictures, too.
Mom, Beth Hall is an amazing photographer. She captured Dayton so well!
Jennifer, I am in awe. My heart is full. My girl you have come so far. I know your family must be so proud. As one of your former teachers I am busting proud. Wow!
Ms. Shirley, What an honor to have you comment! I owe so much to all my teachers! Thank you!
I tend to covet the grand plan, but God encourages me to take small steps of obedience, and in time, He might reveal the bigger picture. Thanks for sharing this testament to His faithfulness and for the reminder that He is at work in us even when we think we’re in a holding pattern. We often talk about God opening doors, but I once heard a reference to “praising God in the hallways” – while we’re waiting for those doors to open or even be shown to us. Challenging, for sure!
Headed over now to read your Guideposts article. Congrats, Jen!
Anne,
As always, you encouragement means more than you realize! Thank you! We need to get coffee sometime!
Jen
Hi
I am following you from Weekend Brew. Great thoughts. Congrats on being published!
Blessings,
Janis
Thanks, Janis!
Congratulations! We must be happy and aware during the waiting because God is still working on us. What a beautiful lesson to all of us who aspire for greater things. Barbie and I are blessed you shared this at The Weekend Brew.
Mary and Barbie,
I couldn’t be so brave if it weren’t for my online encouragers like you too! You inspire me!
Jennifer
Jennifer –what an awesome article –you are an inspiration to me–loved seeing your name in print!!! I hope you will visit us in church when you come home!!! Much love and many blessings! Jan
Jan,
Thank you so much for your encouragement! We don’t make it back that often, but when we do we will visit! I wish I could come to Rock This House this year, but I will be in Dallas at the Declare Blog Conference. I am so excited to learn more about the ministry of blogging!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Wish you could be with us too!!! Kelly Minter is our Rock This House speaker this year and she will be amazing!!!
Congratulations on being published! Often, when we feel we’re in a holding pattern, God is working behind the scenes to open new doors for us. May we be patient and wait on the Lord to submit to His perfect will. Linkng up with you at Angela Parlin — hope you’ll stop by Saved by Grace for a visit!
God bless,
Laurie
Such a wonderful story, and congratulations! Great encouragement for us at #RaRaLinkup this week!