Provision for Today

I could not believe it as I started reading the research article I had downloaded for my new book. All the plot problems I had been unable to work out suddenly slid into place like a combination lock when all the correct numbers are aligned. All the worry and concern and certainty that I was a hopeless writer with no imagination evaporated! I suddenly had a clear picture of what book I was going to write and all the angst of the past few weeks was gone. I felt excitement, enthusiasm, joy!

I had gone kayaking earlier in the day, in part to mull over the struggles in my story line. A vital part of my work as an author is finding quiet places where I can hear God and hear my own heart. I often have revelations in the midst of beautiful places in nature.  I came to no conclusions while kayaking, except that I needed to stop complaining about my life. I mean, I spent much of the first half hour of kayaking not exulting in how wonderful it all was, but in whining to God about my life. Yet, here I was with a body strong enough to paddle for an hour in one of the prettiest rivers on earth. I had eyes to see the red wild flowers along the shore, ears to hear the screech of the osprey, nose to smell the fishy scent of the river and the pine, and skin to feel the touch of a silky breeze. God was giving me manna galore every single day, and I was moaning about all the things I didn't have, like a NY Times Best Seller or a clear story line for my new book.

And now this! I have a great idea for my new book! I quickly wrote a chapter and can't wait to come home after church and write another! God is not really in the business of setting any of us up for the next ten years, but He is remarkably great about sending us the provision for today.

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For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Psalm 149:4