The Encourager

I have been submerged the past month in finishing my book and would like to refer you to a previous post, “Get Out of Your Lunchbox.”  I want to point out that this was not my first visit to the church across the parking lot from my office building.  A couple of months before that, Holly had asked me to go over to the church, again during lunch, but not for a bazaar.  She simply felt led to ask me to go and pray/meditate.  I was hesitant, just as I was the second time, not wanting to take time; and it had been a very difficult day.  For some reason, I went with her.  She escorted me into the empty sanctuary, we sat down and had a moment of silent, individual prayer.  After a few minutes, we both opened our eyes; and she began to encourage me in my writing.  She showed me her watch and said she wanted to give it to me because I needed a watch becoming of a writer, a big watch, and I needed to continue with my book project.  The events of the day had been overwhelming, and I was not at all encouraged about meeting my goal.  Knowing that she loved her watch, I pleaded with her to keep it insisting that I could not accept the gift.  In the end, I succumbed and accepted the watch.  On the way out, she picked up a bulletin and handed it to me.  I didn’t look at it for several days; but when I did, I noticed a very familiar scripture, one that years ago had spoken to my spirit calling me to a specific work.  I was not able to fulfill that calling and have recently wondered if perhaps my writing could be an avenue for fulfilling that earlier calling.  As I recounted this story to another friend and questioned whether I should keep the watch, it was suggested that perhaps I should keep the watch until my goal was met and then return it.   The watch would be my symbol for finishing the project.

Last Thursday, I wrapped up my favorite Christmas gift and presented it to Holly.  I bet you can guess what was inside the box.  She seemed overwhelmed and at first did not want to accept it until I explained that the symbol had served it’s purpose.  It had kept the flame alive and my goal in sight.  I am now compiling the chapters in manuscript format for submission in the contest.  Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me in this endeavor.  I hope you had a very Merry Christmas.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13