One year ago yesterday (July 25), I received that phone call aspiring authors dream about.
You know, the one you play out in your head and imagine all your responses to. And then it comes…and instead of crying or happy-dancing or screaming, you mouth the words “Holy crap” and then very calmly say, “Are you serious?” You even leave out the “freakin’” before “serious” because you’re just that professional. But just as quickly, your coolness fades and you burst out laughing. Because laughter is your general response to all things crazy-happy.
And then you walk into your boss’s office, tell him you received a sweet phone call, hug him and leave for the night.
Yep, that’s how my conversation with super-cool agent Amanda Luedeke went down when she called to let me know we had an offer on the table from Bethany House…aka publishing company I dreamt about as a kid after reading my first “adult” chapter book by Janette Oke.
Now it’s a year later and I’m less than two months from my debut novel’s release. I’m hanging out in this wild world of marketing one book, revising a second, plotting and proposal-writing for another. It’s crazy. And fun. And busy. And fun. And sleep-depriving. And oh yeah, fun. (Which means of course I need to now quote one of the best movies ever: “This girl is fun. F. U. N.” My ultimate respect to the first person to identify the reference.)
Recently I’ve been thinking about this past year. And how, on the day I got that dream-come-true phone call, it felt like my world tilted. Like everything had changed.
And some things did. Suddenly, my deadlines were no longer self-imposed. That hefty marketing plan I included in my book proposal—I needed to actually follow through with all those things. I found myself with a dream team of editors and sales staff and marketing/publicity people all working on my behalf. I joined a family of authors whose welcoming emails thrilled me.
This dream I’ve had forever, it now had things like actual release dates and cover art and endorsements attached to it. It turned tangible.
And yet.
It’s hit me throughout the year, and especially again this week, that the biggest, most foundational pieces of my life haven’t changed at all. And I’m blogging about it because I think it’s applicable to anyone who has a dream…whether we’re on the “still waiting” side or have bounced over the fence to the “dream realized” side.
So what hasn’t changed?
So what hasn’t changed?
My identity. It’s the same as it’s always been, really: created and cherished by a loving God. I may be tempted to define myself by achievements or goals-met, but those things aren’t and won’t ever be my identity. (And, in fact, this is the spiritual thread running through Made to Last.)
My purpose. It’s easy to think when things change, our purpose changes. We may assume when our dream comes true, suddenly our purpose will seem more legit. But that’s just not the case. If I’m a Christ-follower, then regardless of circumstances, my purpose is always going to be extravagantly loving God and sincerely loving people.
My hope. I’ve been talking a lot with a friend about this. About hoping too much or hoping too little. But it hit me as we talked, when my hope is God…there’s never too much. You can’t over-trust in His greatness. You can’t over-depend on His faithfulness. You can’t over-hope for whatever He has for you.
And in this past year, I’ve realized the source of my hope hasn’t changed. Sure, I’ve had my days of misplacing that hope. But if there’s one thing we can count on God to do, it’s pull us back to the truth.
My identity, my purpose, my hope…it’s all Him.
And that’s not going to change.
Your thoughts? Have you had a dream come true? What things changed? What things didn’t?
And in this past year, I’ve realized the source of my hope hasn’t changed. Sure, I’ve had my days of misplacing that hope. But if there’s one thing we can count on God to do, it’s pull us back to the truth.
My identity, my purpose, my hope…it’s all Him.
And that’s not going to change.
Your thoughts? Have you had a dream come true? What things changed? What things didn’t?
Comments 49
Oh you know I completely get this! And I was actually running through some of it in bed this morning as I put off getting up. I agree with you on all the changes and all that didn’t change! Being a little further ahead, I’ve realized that it’s so important to continually remind yourself what hasn’t changed, because in the fickle world of publishing you can’t rely on your work (whether publishing or anything else!) to be your identity, your purpose or your hope. Anything but Jesus is only dissatisfaction and disappointment.
“You can’t rely on your work to be your identity, your purpose or your hope.” That is so incredibly true, Anne. And I hate it when I realize that’s exactly what I’m doing…because it’s silly considering I know how often my own work leaves me frustrated. 🙂 Why WOULD I want to find my identity in something as fickle as my own stuff, right? 🙂
Melissa, beautiful post. You are such an inspiration.
Cheering you on all the way across the seas… oh and land (LA->Iowa)..
Bless,
Thank you, Ian! Oh, are you in LA right now??
Sydney to LA over sea, then land to Iowa … Sorry, I was being a bit too cute.
Haha, or I was just too spacey to catch your drift. LOL!
So true, and when those three things don’t change you are good to go. God will do great things.
Exactly, Lisa. 🙂
🙂
Ah, reading this put such a smile on my face, Melissa. I could “hear” you in every single word.
The day I landed my book contract, I remember Susie May Warren telling me: God loves you just the same today as he loved you yesterday.
Nothing had changed as far as God and me were concerned.
That’s a truth I’ve clung to all along the writing road.
Thanks, Beth. Susie is a wise, wise woman. 🙂 Love what she said.
And can I just say once more, congratulations on Ali Beth!! She is adorable.
I love it, Tagg! So excited for you and I love your heart too!
I also loved Beth’s comment!
Thanks, Jess. Can’t wait til I get to hang out with you at ACFW!
This is so true. Right after I got news of my first contract, I went and changed a dirty diaper. I always think back at that moment because it’s a great reminder that things like my family and my faith are my priorities right now. Writing is just this wonderful little piece of my life that I’m so thankful for.
HA, if there’s anything to keep things in perspective, it’s changing a diaper. 🙂
M-Tagg, you are sooo right. Even though my world tilted the day I received the e-mail (hate I didn’t get “the call” lol) I was at Walmart, and even though I’m sure my feet didn’t touch the floor, I still had to do normal things. Check out, put the groceries away. cook dinner. Everything changed, yet nothing changed. Just like Beth and Susie said, God loved me the same.
Nine months later, I am still pinching myself to see if it’s real. 🙂
I love the picture in my head of you reading that email in Wal-Mart. And I’m SO excited for your book and publishing journey, Pat. Can’t wait to read it!
Excellent post, Melissa. I appreciate your sharing your hilarious response (walking on outta the office for the day!). It’s funny–Sarah Thomas was on Married…with Fiction today talking about when authors have “made it,” and it really is a series of celebrations. Although I did just ask my agent to email me if any publishers show interest in my proposal–I can totally imagine passing out if she surprise-called me with that news. I try to constantly expect BAD news so I’ll be braced for that, but I’m not braced for GOOD news, ironically enough. And good point that our hope is in the Lord. Not in our agent. Not in those acquisitions editors or marketing teams or even OURSELVES and our ability to produce. It’s in God. Lovely reminder today.
Haha, yes, I just happened to be working late that evening and my boss and I were the only ones still left in the building. So, he was the first to know about my happy news. He said, “Wait, tell me you’re not resigning right now!” 🙂
You know, I think it’s a good thing to prepare for GOOD news. To expect and hope for it. This is probably partially my dreamer-type personality. Haha! But I’m always going to vote for confident trust and hopeful expectation…it’s just a happier place to mentally hang out in. (And if Lindsay Harrel happens to see this comment, she will probably laugh–because I’m always encouraging big hope. Haha!) And like you reiterated, our real hope is in God…and when we can hold on to that truth, it just makes all the difference, even in the disappointments, doesn’t it!
Love, love, love!!! And I love everything you’ve taught me about hoping big and keeping our identity rooted in him. Love seeing how God has brought you so far and am so excited to see how lives change through you and your writing.
I love our conversations about hopes and dreams and identity, Linz! I don’t tell you enough that your are one of my favorite people to talk to. 🙂 Can’t wait to get to talk in person again SOON! 🙂
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I removed my comment because I couldn’t spell right! Anyway, I love your perspective, Melissa, and how you are keeping your focus on the author and finisher of your faith. Can’t wait to read your book.
Thank you, Elaine. And no worries on the spelling…I was actually just recounting to someone the other day how on my first week working at the newspaper I used to work for, I accidentally used the word “singed” in a headline instead of “signed.” Um, yeah…changed the meaning just a bit! 🙂
This convicted me today. Thank you for this much-needed Truth:
If I’m a Christ-follower, then regardless of circumstances, my purpose is always going to be extravagantly loving God and sincerely loving people.
Praying for ya, Lisa. I know you have a lot going on. And if there’s anyone I know who is get at both extravagant and sincere love, it’s you, my friend. Hugs!
Love it, Melissa! Thanks for sharing your faith journey to publication with us. I’m definitely tweeting this one. 🙂
Blessings,
Andrea
Thank you so much, Andrea–and thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Melissa!
Yes! I’ve always been amazed when a dream comes true and I think: this is it, I’ve finally arrived, and then God whispers: “No, you havent ‘arrived,’ you’re still on the journey. My love, purpose and plans for you haven’t changed.” They are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. With each dream He’s given me, it’s only one thread in the tapestry He’s weaving. Just one. It’s not the whole picture, just a part of it. Some dreams and desires are bigger than others, but God doesn’t want me to wrap up my hope or identity in just one aspect of my life. I love your words today, Melissa! I agree with Beth. I could hear every word come straight from your heart. I cannot wait to see where this dream takes you and how many people you’ll influence for the Kingdom!! So happy for you.
Your comment really made me think, Gabe, that generally our biggest dreams really aren’t about arriving but about journeying. It’s so true!
What fun to mark the anniversary of The Call That Changed Your Life–in some ways, anyhow. You went from crazy hopeful, to crazy happy, to crazy busy. Much changed, and yet, as you said, the most important things didn’t. You’re still the awesome, talented, lovely young woman you were, Melissa, with the same amazing, trustworthy, loving God directing your paths. Looking forward to your book’s release.
Thank you so much, Keli, for your amazingly kind words. You are just wonderful! And not just because you say nice things…I love your encouraging presence online. Can’t wait til we get to hang out in person again someday!
Love your heart and how real you are about this, what a blessing you are to God and to us with this perspective!!!! Loved the title you used and so glad that even though your identity/purpose/hope hasn’t changed that life as you know it will never be quite the same now that your dream has come true 🙂 You’re such a jewel, Melissa, and praising God for the journey He has you on. Can’t wait to read the book!
Is the movie you referenced What’s Up, Doc? 1972 starring Barbara Streisand and Ryan O’Neal…..this is one movie I have not seen and that needs to change, the dialogue alone sounds hilarious 🙂
Hugs Melissa 🙂
Thank you so much, Kara! You rock!
AND you win the prize for getting the movie reference!!!! What’s Up Doc is one of my favorite movies ever…even just the music in the opening credits makes me so happy. Definitely hilarious dialogue. It’s a throwback to screwball comedies of the 1930s. 🙂
Love this! The words ring so true!
Thanks, Laura!
What a beautiful post, Melissa. Extravagantly loving God and sincerely loving people…even if my publishing dreams aren’t coming true on my timing. My identity is rooted in Christ, not the appearance of my home, the behavior of my children or anything else I might try to attach it to. Thank you for that reminder.
Oh, I love that you added “the appearance of my home.” Oh yes…I’m so thankful my identity isn’t wrapped up in that. If it was, I’d have one messy identity. And I don’t even have kids! 🙂
Melissa,
Thanks for inviting us to share this anniversary with you. We NEED others around us to celebrate with, and I feel honored to get to “relive” this day with you. I love your perspective, and I know it will shine in your book – looking forward to reading it, and to what the Lord has in store for you!
Grace and peace to you, my friend,
Becky
Thanks a bunch, Becky. It was pretty fun to think back on that day last year…and all the stuff that’s happened since. Thanks for re-celebrating with me!
“My purpose. It’s easy to think when things change, our purpose changes. We may assume when our dream comes true, suddenly our purpose will seem more legit. But that’s just not the case. If I’m a Christ-follower, then regardless of circumstances, my purpose is always going to be extravagantly loving God and sincerely loving people.”
Well said, Melissa – and SO true.
How fun to read this post chronicling the reaction you had to seeing your dream realized, and experience some of your joy through it. Wonderfully said. It’s nice to get a glimpse into your sincere heart through this – and many of your prior posts. Congrats on reaching this milestone! Enjoy.
Thanks, Rissi. Yeah, definitely fun to look back and see all the things that have changed…and all the things that haven’t. And I love, love, love getting to share not only my writing journey–but others’ writing journeys–in such a supportive blogosphere. 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend!
Gorgeous post, MTagg, but that’s because you are, inside and out. It’s like I hear God quietly laughing, saying you have no idea of the even more amazing things in store for you next year. Wait and see!
Thank you so much, Dee, for your constant words of encouragement. Your faith and wisdom never stop amazing me. See you in a couple months!
I love your heart, Melissa. It is that kind of heart that God uses for His glory. I’m so excited to see what God has in store for you…and your heart! 🙂
Thank you, Sherrinda. I’m excited to see what He’s got for me–and all of us–too. 🙂
Oh, Melissa… I’ve got tears in my eyes! You don’t know how timely this is for me – and what a beautiful message you’ve shared. I just published Bleeding Heart, my debut novel, to Kindle yesterday… It feels like everything should change – I mean, I’m legit now, a real author, right? (Just saying how it feels like it ought to be!)
And yet, as exciting as it is, it’s just one more step on a journey that’s been years in the making. Milestones are thrilling, true enough, but the little moments, the way God works in you and through you, His steady Presence guiding you along as He introduces you to dear friends and the people He loves so much – those things don’t come or go like a light switch when a milestone is reached. The milestones are great for reminding you to celebrate and to look back on how God’s been working in your life, but if I put too much stock in them in and of themselves, they fall flat. It’s the journey, not the destination, as they always say, right? 🙂 And I’m so grateful God is there every step of the way, unchanging and All in All.
Thank you, dear friend, for sharing your heart! It touched mine. A wonderful way to end the night with some much-needed perspective. 🙂
~Amber
First of all, Amber, CONGRATULATIONS on getting Bleeding Heart published to kindle. That is awesome. Cannot wait to read it! And to host you here next week. 🙂
I hugely agree with you–the milestones are meant to be celebrated, for sure. But as is the journey itself, like you said.
Hello Melissa,
I only came across your blog today and felt in my heart to send you this message. A big Congratulations to you and pray for many more celebrations in your life in Jesus name. God bless you.