The Grace of God

A few years ago I came across this saying:

 

For the past three years I've had this question asked to me more times than I can count: "How do you do it?" At first, the question was directed to me in reference to having twins...but lately people are asking me this question in reference to my dream of publication.

"Gabe, how do you manage to find the time to write?"

Here's the simple answer to that question: The Grace of God.

I believe my dream to write is a calling God has placed on my life. It doesn't supersede my calling to be a wife and mother--it's in addition to that calling. My first priority is to my family. But God has given me the ability to sacrifice in certain areas and make it possible to find the time to write.

I believe everyone finds the time to do what they love. Whether that's scrapbooking, shopping, watching movies, exercising, cooking, gardening, sewing, hunting, etc...we can squeeze those pleasures into our lives. For me, it's writing. I find the time to do it, because I love it.

Most of the time, I write after my kiddos are in bed. The majority of my stories are written between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.

Writing doesn't subtract from my life--it adds to it. Writing makes me a better person. A better wife. A better mom. A better friend. It's like food for my soul. I feel closest to God when my fingers are on the keyboard and a story is pouring out of my heart.

More importantly, because I believe it's God's will, I know He's given me the grace to pursue this dream. I don't have the grace to orchestrate an elementary school band. Not only would I be miserable while doing it--I would probably make the students miserable! But there are many lovely men and women who do. I'm always amazed when I see them standing up on stage with their students, a grin on their faces. I know they've been called to do that job and God has given them the grace to do it well.

There are many people who couldn't imagine writing a hundred thousand word document, day in and day out. Putting your heart and soul into a story that will be loved and accepted, or ripped apart and rejected. But, I've been given grace for this journey. I don't always do it well, but God has given me the ability to keep going, even on the difficult days.

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."

 

God's grace is with me. That's the only reason I can do what He's called me to do.

The beautiful reality is that God has given you the grace to do what He's called you to do, as well.

1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

 

What about you? What has God given you the grace to do?