The Road Less Traveled

Well, this past week marks the beginning of the production process on my first novel. The characters take unexpected and challenging trips through mentally treacherous terrain and uncharted waters. Similarly, I am embarking on a new journey that will no doubt bring challenges for my family and me. So many questions arise: "Will I be able to handle it all?" "Will my family suffer while I pursue the promotion of a new book?" and most importantly, "Am I doing this for the right reasons?" Duplicitous motivation seems to be a never-ending antagonist for anyone diving into the murky waters of authoring - whether it be a book, song or anything else creative. I recently asked a friend "What motivates you?" I asked the question with a clear and poignant destination. But now I find myself asking the same question as I move throughout the e-mails and phones calls with my new publisher, and as I make plans with my family and schedule around my ministry obligations. "What is my motivation?" I'd like to think that I am doing this to further the gospel of Christ and promote His Kingdom. But in the mean time I am so busy creating a "brand" with some version of me attached to it. Are both goals possible?

I suspect that there is a road less traveled within this new map of possibilities. I suspect that God's word is that one-track road within its own map filled with directions guiding me away from pitfalls and heartache. I suppose that the shear reason that I "suspect" and I don't outright "know" this for myself today is why I write - and move toward knowing. So, today this entry is a prayer - a prayer for myself and for anyone who struggles with their own motivation. What I do know to be true is that God knows the heart and our true motivation is clear to Him. I pray that an enemy more devious than any literary antagonist could ever be, will not be allowed the power to bring me down before I even get started. This is the prayer that I share with you today. This is a prayer that maybe you and I can repeat as we take steps together down a road less traveled.

Many blessings.