Eating an Elephant the Biblical Way

My mom is one of my most ardent fans of my writing. She loved my Unlikely Friends series and couldn't wait for Book #3 to come out. Then she fell, broke her hip and her elbow, and is in a pretty tough battle regaining her ability to walk. I was with her in (freezing!) NY for a month, and my sequel (Unlikely Rescue) was put on hold. Too much to do helping her settle into life in the Rehab hospital and too little emotional reserve left over to write.

My other siblings rearranged their schedules and were able to spell me so I came home. Immediately, I resumed work on Unlikely Rescue. Then I had a new plan based on my experience with Mom. I reminded Mom that she will progress, but it will be hard and she will need to persevere and be diligent in the therapies every single day. Step by step, she will soon be walking out the door. (Remember that line from the classic Christmas cartoon?)

"How do you eat an elephant, Mom?" I asked her.
She cocked her head awaiting the answer.
"One bite at a time."

I decided that I would mimic that advice in my writing goals. I would try to write her a chapter a day of my new book, and send it to Dad to read to her. Together, our story will unfold. Dad has been printing the chapters as I send them and told me she is loving them. I don't know if my creative muse will keep up the pace, but I am determined to try.

It's interesting that I am now reading the Biblical account of the Israelites entering the Promised Land with a very similar message. The Israelites do not settle the land all at once, but must slowly fight and displace the enemies of God who worship Baal and idols. This theme of a progression to victory is throughout the Bible. God only gives enough Manna for one day at a time. The Lord's prayer says: Give us this day our daily bread.

We all want victory instantly. Particularly when our health, happiness, or comfort is involved, it is excruciating to wait or to acquire what we so desperately need so slowly!

Patience is one of God's greatest attributes. Were He to lose patience with us, we would all be lost for all eternity in our sin. Instead, He patiently waits for us to come to Him. He tarries that not one of us should perish. We are made in His image. We too should be patient, knowing that what is promised will be worth the wait.

Our story is being crafted one chapter at a time. The end will be glorious, particularly when we have sought it so diligently and it has been so long in coming.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
22The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.  Deuteronomy 7:22

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