The call to write, not just for myself, but for others, began in 2003.
Let’s just say I was a little slow to listen.
Yep. I’m admitting it here. Now.
I was a little slow to listen.
Okay. Maybe I was really slow to listen?
I witnessed events unfold through the years. They’re all detailed in a private document I wrote in April 2014, titled “A Possible Calling.” Perhaps the truth’s in the title. As much as God’s tried to (gently) bat me over the head with His truth, with His vision for my life, I’m still calling this whole writing gig “A Possible Calling.” Because I’m human. I’m not God. Even with all the evidence, even with all the unfolding of this and that, it’s still hard for me to prove to myself and everyone else that this is my calling.
I struggle with this, can you see?
A wiser and older owl I met in November 2006 affirmed the vision I shared in the quiet of a dark hallway nook. A vision, which at the time, seemed like utter crazy talk. I seriously felt like I was making stuff up, people. Like I was pulling dreams from the sky and taking them on as my own.
Anyway, that day, among other words of wisdom I wrote down in detail when I got home, the wiser and older owl shared two pieces of advice I’ve never forgotten…
“Don’t look to people to affirm what God has already made very clear to you.”
and this…
“Walk. And follow the lily pads of grace.”
She clarified, stating that if this vision is God’s will, if this is God’s call on my life, that He will lead me through. One by one, He will place “lily pads” in my path, next steps along the way. And I will know. This is what I’m supposed to do next. This is His call.
Doesn’t it sound mystical? Maybe even a little kooky? “Lily pads of grace?” What the heck does that mean?
Well, let me tell you in plain words, friends. Maybe I didn’t know then what she really meant. But I know now. “Following the lily pads of grace” quite literally means to take one step after the next, after the next. First take this little leap of faith, then this door will open. Go through it. Take another little leap of faith here, and you’ll feel a tug to go there. So you do it. Then, you get a kick in the butt and realize there’s no other way but to do that next thing. So you do it. And it goes on. And on. And on. Until the light bulb turns on. I’ve taken 20, 30, 40 steps towards this vision. And truth be told? All of those steps have been leaps of faith.
Leaps of faith can be scary. Leaps of faith require courage. But after a while, leaps of faith make way for the answers you’ve been looking for. Things start to make sense. Little by little, the purpose of your life becomes clearer.
So today? I’m announcing the next leap of faith I’m making on this journey I’ve titled “A Possible Calling.”
I’m jumping on the next “lily pad of grace” God’s set before me. And as far as I can see, I’m jumping on over to a big one.
Well, I’m not really going to be jumping. I’m going to be flying, down to South Carolina where I’ll be attending my first writing and blogging conference! It’s happening next month while I’m doing that crazy every day writing challenge called #31Days.
I already know this writing conference is a lily pad set before me by God…
Because I’ve been a part of this community for more than four years.
Because I’ve been following this conference closely for two years and I’ve longed to be there.
Because it’s never been a possibility for me to go until this year.
Because I approached my husband about going to the conference just one week after I’d written that document, “A Possible Calling,” and he said yes. Pretty much right away. Without much persuasion on my part.
I already know this writing conference is a lily pad set before me by God…
Because my all-time favorite blogger, Ann Voskamp, was scheduled to be a keynote speaker when I signed up to attend, and then we got word she wasn’t going to be there at all. With or without Ann, I knew I was supposed to go anyway.
Because I asked Jennifer if we could room together, but she isn’t going this year.
Because I emailed a different Jennifer, Michele, Anna, Nasreen, Alia, and Kris to see if any of them would want to room with me. Four of them aren’t going to the conference this year. And two of them are, but already had roommates.
Because the week I’d planned to just go ahead and book a hotel room by myself, it was announced that the place was sold out. No more rooms available. Everyone make space. Find a place to crash. Bunk up.
Because I knew there was no other way but to put an announcement out there – I need a roommate. And believe me, that was the LAST way I wanted this to happen.
Because the eighth potential roommate decided she couldn’t afford to go this year.
I already know this writing conference is a lily pad set before me by God…
Because the ninth roommate? She had a room. And hallelujah, she had space for me! The funny thing is that we were already connected through Twitter, but hadn’t ever connected in that space personally. I’ve since discovered that there’s only one thing I need to know. She’s beautiful. She’s amazing. She’s kind-hearted. And God was determined to match us as roommates. In other words, God had the pad laid out. It just took me nine tries to find the right one to hop onto.
So I’m taking this leap of faith. Because after all of that? After all these years of feeling called to write, way back to 2003? I think it’s high time I attend a writing and blogging conference. In fact, it’s long, long overdue. Clearly God thinks so, too, or He wouldn’t have made the way.
So yes. I’m leaping. To a Christian writing and blogging conference called Allume. It’s next month and it’s sold out. 450 spirited, sold-out souls will gather to share and learn what it means to be called to write. And bless my leaping soul, I’ll be one of them.
Amy I see that we are truly united by the same heart. I have not been able to express in words how the people of Haiti have changed my life. My spirit cries out to return. My spirit cries out to share Haiti with all of those who I love. It cries out so loudly that before I left Haiti I was all ready making arrangements to return. In March 2015 I plan on taking my wife and 4 kids with me. I’m also taking my neice as her graduation gift and may end up taking more people. I must share this beautiful place and these beautiful people with others. God is truly doing an amazing work in Haiti.
Oh Amy, I loved this post more than a comment could ever capture. You have written my heart & thoughts exactly, and close even to what I’ve written from my journey as well!
I love my life here. But there is an unbelievable joy, peace and contentment when I’m serving in the DR or wherever God calls me outside my comfort zone.
I know God has called our family to do more, go more, and be more…and while I have no idea what that looks like, I know that more than ever I am his willing servant.
Dear Summer: While we’ve never met, I’m convinced, based on all I know about myself and everything I’ve read on your blog, that we’re soul sisters. I have SO enjoyed following your story and watching it unfold the past year and a half, and am convinced we’ve experienced similar feelings along the way. Of all the posts I’ve ever written on this blog, this would be one I would definitely NOT want you to miss. So I’m glad you found and read it today, Summer. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it so much, and it is SO good to know we are not alone. So good to be able to say “me too.” Blessings, and grateful we’re on this “outside of our comfort zone” journey together!