This week was Spring Break for our kids and I decided it was a good opportunity to go and visit my folks. We had a great visit.
During the four hour drive home, we saw plenty of road signs and it got me thinking about directions. I remember how often I was fooled by these freeway signs when I was a kid. Especially the “next right” ones. “Ocean beaches — next right.” It should really say, “next right and another two hours driving west.” “Mount Rainier — next right.” Yes, take a right and keep on going east. Ever since I was tiny, I’ve been annoyed by this false advertising. I used to beg my parents, “Let’s stop at the beach — the sign says it’s right over there!”
“Next right” should mean that you drive off of the freeway and into a parking lot. It should be more like those dining ahead signs that list several area restaurants. You know if you see those signs that the restaurants listed will be within a few blocks of the exit, not another two hours away.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been reading a lot of blogs from published writers and from various agents. It’s opened my eyes to what a writing career will really mean for my future, should I achieve it. I may picture myself typing away at a computer, carefully crafting engaging stories and mailing them off to publishing houses. Apparently, that’s far from reality. It seems as if most of these authors must spend a large portion of their time marketing themselves and their work. They blog, travel extensively, do radio interviews, book club visits, speak at retreats, classroom visits, teach at numerous conferences and attend book signings. I’m a little overwhelmed by the idea. Is this my future? Do I really want this?
I imagine the road sign on my life: “Writing career, next right.” And I’m left wondering, next right and then what?
Last night I cracked open my bible looking for some answers. A ticket fell from the pages. I picked it up and smiled when I read the words printed on it: “God has a dream for your life.” It was from the Women of Faith Conference a few years ago. This ticket might not qualify as the “inspired word of God,” but it definitely felt like a message.
Maybe I don’t know what I’m in for or where I am going. I may not even have the map. But, in reality, I’m not the one at the wheel. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12.