The Big Reveal~ Day 4

In my nearly two years of blogging, I have learned a few things about writing.  The first is that you just need to do it.  No excuses.  No second guessing.  No over thinking.

The only way to get better at anything is to do it.  And while practice does not make perfect, it does make better.

So, I have learned to write even when I don't feel like it.

The second thing that I have learned is that everyone has a story to tell.  God has each of us on a unique journey and we are meant to walk that journey in community with others.  We are meant to share our story, because it is in the sharing of our stories that God receives the glory.

Which brings me to my big reveal for day 4.

A huge part of my story is my Dad's story.  I have shared many blog posts about my Daddy through these years of writing in this space.  I have even shared my desire to write my Daddy's story.

But God has been changing those desires.  And while He hasn't said "no" to the writing of this story, I am hearing a clear "wait".  Instead, I am feeling led to write something completely different.  Completely unexpected.

It still has to do with my Daddy.  But instead of writing his story first, God has been giving me this desire to compile my Daddy's sermons into a devotional book.  My Dad was meticulous in his record keeping, so I have filing cabinets full of his handwritten sermons from his entire preaching career.

For the first 18 years of my life, nearly every sermon I heard was preached by my Daddy.  His words have had a huge impact on me, laying the foundation for a life that is now seeking to bring glory to God.

One of the biggest ways that I am seeking to bring glory to God is in honoring my parents.  My Dad's health is failing.  My mom is the primary caregiver.  My role has changed and knowing how to honor them has been a steep learning curve.

But I believe that in my desire to honor my parents, God has spoken clearly to me- that the writing of my Dad's sermons in a devotional form is a way to honor him (and my mama!).

It is a stretch for me.  I am undisciplined.  This requires perseverance (365 devotionals!!!).  I have a hard time following through.  Which is why I share this here.  I need accountability.  And somehow writing these things in this place is a challenge to me to do this thing!

I have no idea what God wants to do with this.  Is it simply meant to help me develop in my writing?  (practice makes better!)  Will it be something that I will share with our family?  Will it make sense to share with those who have also been impacted by my Daddy's life?  Or will it be something that is published for wider consumption?

I have no idea!  But that is the other lesson that I have learned about writing.  The end result of our writing is not up to us to determine.  How God might want to use this is completely up to Him.  My responsibility is simply to be faithful to what He is calling me to do.

Pray for me?  Pray that I will be consistent.  Pray that I will follow through.  Pray that my parents will be honored.  Pray that God will receive the glory!