Stepping out

Today's girlfriend devotional talks about stepping out of our comfort zones--I'm actually editing a book on that very subject.

Life is full of challenges and choices. Are you going to stay at the same spiritual level you've always been, or will you delve into God's word searching his heart and communing with Him to find out what it is He wants for your life?

Are you one that usually shies away from trying anything new or different? I can't say that I am although I will admit I don't readily jump into the fray, either.

The last few weeks have been challenging for me and presenting me with new opportunities--an opportunity to go where I feel God is leading me, an opportunity to try new things.

As a freelance writer and editor, it is up to me to find work to support my family. Thankfully, I have the Lord on my side and many of the projects I work on are people that have come to me. Little did I know a connection I made a couple of years ago would turn into a career opportunity. I met this lady through another writer friend who hosted a cookout for some of her writing friends. Carole was then an editor for BeWrite Books. I had her edit a portion of one of my works in progress (WIPs). A couple years later, I learned from this same friend that Carole had started a publishing company. I contacted her to see if there was an editorial position available. A few months later I found out there was and I was able to fill the slot.

A year later, due to some confusion, it was decided that I would be "downsized". I thought this would be the end of my association, until a message posted on their "admin" site announced (which I assumed I would be kicked off of after being downsized but wasn't) that one of their Editors-in Chief was leaving. I took the chance, resting on the fact I had known Carole before, and asked to be considered to take on the vacant EIC position. The next day I had an interview and found out that I was their top candidate and had tailored a new position just for me! Notice came out yesterday that the other EIC is also leaving (I knew this at the interview, but it was only official, yesterday). My new position is Project Manager for Lachesis (Legasis) Publishing, looking after making sure all the edits are done, covers are done and things are ready to go to print.

It took me a good week to get over the shock!

Then with church, I had taken a membership course that studied my gifts, skills and talents for the purpose of seeing where they could be used in ministry. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I'm in a church that doesn't shy away from taking on new ministry ideas to accommodate and use that talents God has given us.

I have known for a while what my talents, skills and gifts are, but in considering which talents I would like pursue primarily, I was rather surprised at where the Lord was leading me--surprised in that I thought my primary desire was to do something else. I have decided to pursue writing and editing for our church primarily. I will also be doing some lay counselling and mentorship to other moms, perhaps looking towards running a support group for those moms who have lost babies/children. I'm still deciding on a few other things particularly related to writing: perhaps establishing a book store, a printing press for sermon help notes, and editing sermons series into books themselves.

Talk about stepping out. There are lots of changes coming...including just this week as I try to get a handle on my new position and still manage the two major projects I have (with another possibly coming this week), three minor projects starting this week, three new editing projects, and one major one starting on the 15.

Well, must get going with all that on my plate. In the meantime, I want to leave you with some encouragement to step out in faith and accept the challenges that God has placed for you. You never know where they're going to lead. So long as you learn from your actions and inactions, you have not failed. Don't be afraid to take the chance.

"And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance..." (Leeann Womack, "I hope you Dance")