~ July 20, 2019 ~
“I just attended my first writing conference. It was truly great. I learned so much and I admire and appreciate what all of the agents, authors, editors, and publishers were doing there. Learners and teachers gathered to form a very special community.
I got on an elevator at one point with only one other person. I recognized her from the conference program, and told her I’d read her first fantasy trilogy several years ago. I’ll never forget her answer: ‘Oh, those were the fun days.'”
Well, here we are in 2025, already into February, no less. Is anyone ever ready to begin a new year? Surely I’m not the only one tumbling out of last year with loose ends and the feeling I forgot something.
Not sure if this qualifies as a New Year’s resolution or just a theme for the year, but last month I told my wife I wanted to spend less time scheming and more time invested in the present. I shared a quote I’d heard over the years that I wanted to adopt: “Wherever you are, be all there!” She then enlightened me who said that – Jim Elliot, the famous missionary. Icing on the cake! He went on to say, “Live to the hilt…” You have to love that.
By now you’re well acquainted with my penchant for looking back with nostalgic gratitude. Likewise, it’s vital to work toward goals, pressing on with joyful expectation of what’s to come. Yet there is a third aspect here – dwelling in the moment. Something I am prone to neglect.
This trinitarian perspective of time is biblical, I believe.
I wish I could say I keep this in the forefront of my mind, but I often forget. When I met that author, I took heed. There I was, an unpublished newbie, next to multi-published conference faculty. Her books that I’d read were from a small press, then she’d gone on to be picked up by a big publisher. Living the dream, right? I hope so. And I think she’d agree. But dreams take hard work to fulfill.
I was so thankful in that moment, for I felt no envy. Thankful I was able to see that attaining your dreams doesn’t solve your problems and make life eutopia. I was in no rush to fulfill mine. I was just a conference newcomer with a chance to encourage a veteran author, the weight of deadlines and editors and bottom lines manifest in that simple response.
That author continues to write and publish still, and I suspect is quite fulfilled even though it’s not always fun.
And I continue to work toward my goals, enjoying every step of the way. I’m blessed to have you tread this path with me, fellow travelers. Let’s not rush ahead, but savor this new year, and look back fondly on the years gone by, even as we delight in the prospects on the horizon.
Write On,
Fellow Traveler