By Sandy Kirby Quandt

As a writer I face rejection right along with acceptance of the work I submit. It’s all part of the process. Obviously, I prefer acceptance over rejection.

You don’t have to be a writer to understand what I’m talking about.

Have you ever applied for a job and not gotten it?

Asked someone out and they declined?

Auditioned for something and someone else was chosen?

Dreamed of your perfect life and it turns out anything but?

After I completed my first book for middle grade children, I knew without a doubt Mandee the Manatee’s story was brilliant. It needed no editing or correction. The book was gold, I’m telling you. Gold. Pilot was even going to illustrate it for me.

But it really wasn’t ready and it definitely wasn’t gold. Maybe somewhere in the bronze category. I know that now, but I didn’t at the time. I didn’t see the flaws and lack of writing skill. I didn’t understand I had a long way to go. I didn’t realize I wasn’t ready for prime time.

When the Israelites headed for the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt, God told them they would not quickly take the land. It was to be a gradual process. Little by little. The people weren’t ready to possess the land. They weren’t strong enough to occupy it. If they took the land too early wild animals would be everywhere, and the land would be poor.

God’s timing is perfect. His plan for our journey is perfect. Always has been. Always will be.

No doubt if I’d gotten Mandee published when I first finished it, I wouldn’t have been ready for that step in soooo many ways. Maybe you can say the same thing about your unrealized goals.

Waiting is difficult, is it not? But it’s better than going in too early and having animals running amok everywhere. Agreed?

So what is God working on, little by little, for you to take possession of?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Leave a comment below. If you think others would appreciate reading this please share it through the social media buttons.

But I won’t do all this in the first year, because the land would become poor, and wild animals would be everywhere. Instead, I will force out your enemies little by little and give your nation time to grow strong enough to take over the land. Exodus 23:29-30 (CEV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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