Day 41
I am so excited to be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week spending dedicated time on my writing and listening to God’s direction surrounded by a like minded community. One of the speakers this evening, Edie Melson shared that 40 is a key number in the Bible. 40 is the number of trials, testing, and tribulations. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before they would enter the Promised Land. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all spent 40 days fasting. In those 40 days Satan tempted Jesus time and again. Day 41 is the day of rebirth, our time of preparation and hardship leads to our renewal, our purification. Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and the Israelites all moved forward to fulfill God’s work and promises on day 41. These words resonated with me along with the song sang in worship, “It is Well With My Soul” written by Horatio Spafford. I have been in the 40 days but this week, I welcome day 41. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV)
Monday was a special day. We not only remembered those we have tragically lost, both in war and after, we also got to celebrate Hope and Helena’s birthday. It is a special day when we can execute a surprise birthday event, at least in my family. Someone almost always slips up and the surprise becomes well known. I may have been the one that almost slipped this time, but Rob quickly recovered. Since I was coming to the mountains for this conference, the girls came with me along with my dear friend. What they didn’t know, is that Rob and other friends were going to join us for dinner. How special are those friends/family that are willing to drive four hours round trip for a surprise birthday dinner to celebrate these two miraculous girls? It was flawless. I wish I could have captured the moment when they walked in on camera and saw everyone sitting and waiting for them-it will forever be imprinted in my mind. Pure joy. Welcome to Day 41.
Today, I kicked off the conference with over 600 attendees. This is not my comfort space. I am surrounded my so many authors and people who have been attending for multiple years. This has become an annual gathering for many and a reunion of sorts for those that return. I have been prayerful all day, praying that my eyes and ears be opened to God’s direction for me in this space. I was encouraged by loved ones and friends to not run away and be present in the moment and give it a chance. So, I did. As the day went on, I started to feel a little more comfortable in my environment. I started to introduce myself instead of sitting silent in a corner. I felt encouraged by others and listened intently to the workshops and speakers. Through it all, in just day one, I have grown and feel affirmed on the path God wants me to follow. Welcome to Day 41.
Finally, there have been hard days and I would find myself focusing on the negatives. Today, I gave it a name. Fear has been driving me. Fear of the unknown, fear of repeated hurts, fear that I will not have the strength to carry on when needed. Once exposed, the fear lost its hold on me. There is no reason to fear when I have God by my side-and He has never left nor abandoned me. A simple conversation that in the past had been avoided, provided the clarity and vulnerability that led to the exposing and removal of that fear. Welcome to Day 41-I will not dwell on the past 40 days.
Today, I pray that each of you move toward your day 41. We all carry burdens, we all have trials and tribulation, but we also have God and He has us. Step boldly into day 41.
I pray these words speak to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
