Fresh Start

Thursday afternoon, I arrived at the Broadmoor Hotel. I've performed at the five-star hotel half a dozen times, but this was my first opportunity to stay here. The occasion? Jerry B. Jenkins'"Writing for the Soul" conference. My main responsibility has been to meet with writers and explain to them our editorial needs in the hopes that they might get published.

This morning I awoke to find a fresh coat of snow on the ground. The fresh, clean start was reflective of what the Lord has been impressing on me this weekend. Ever since I determined to write a book, each conference finds me a little closer to my goal. But this weekend, the Lord has convicted me of dragging my feet. One speaker put it this way: "Five frogs were sitting on a log. Two decided to leave. How many frogs are on the log?" Five. That struck me. I have decided to write a book, but I am still sitting on that log. I am burying that talent the Lord has provided. When I consider it that way, I have to thank God for his patience and mercy.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." I have planned a course. But in order for the Lord to determine my steps, I must walk. I have to get off that comfortable log. In the words of famous philosopher Steven Curtis Chapman: "I'm divin' in. I'm going deep. In over my head I want to be." If you're still sitting on that log, it's probably time you dove.