My mentor, Loretta, texted. “God has this. It’s not all on you.”
I tossed a package of decongestant pills and cough drops into my suitcase. “I hope so because I’m empty.”
I’d been ill for two weeks. My friends prayed I’d be well enough to attend the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. My health improved in the nick of time. Whether I could endure the nonstop, four-day conference remained a mystery.
The first afternoon, I sat outside on a bench with a plate of meatballs and diced cheese. Writers, editors, and agents mingled beneath the budding trees. I scanned the smiling faces. There were people I knew. Others I wanted to meet. However, the thought of small talk exhausted me. I leaned back and stared at a tree adorned with pink blossoms.
“Lord, I can’t do this.”
And a small voice whispered. “I got this. Go rest.”
If I’d been less empty, I might have argued. “God, I payed a lot of money to come here. I need to get the most from this conference. I have to talk to….”
An empty person doesn’t get far on their own strength. I went to my room and napped.
At dinner, I went through the buffet line and searched for a place to sit. I had no agenda. My energy remained low. That’s when I saw an editor I wanted to meet. He sat at a table in the corner of the room. I asked to join him. We talked for an hour and he prayed for me.
I went to sleep that night, assured God had my back. It wasn’t all on me.
That’s how the weekend unfolded. I never plotted or panicked. I’d walk into the crowded dining room and notice an empty chair and clean placemat at one of the tables as if the Lord had reserved that one spot for me.
During coffee break, I’d turn around and find someone I wanted to meet or thank.
It’s difficult for a control freak to stay empty. However, emptiness kept me from being full of myself. Oh, that I’d be empty more often!
Emptiness allowed room for God to fill me and lead the way. I experienced…
“God’s grace that is sufficient when we’re weak.”
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” when someone prayed for my renewed energy.
Then God surprised me beyond my imagination. I met Francine Rivers.
She’s written many books including one of my favorite, Redeeming Love. Her book made a huge impact on me. And I’ve given Redeeming Love to many women especially when I served as a jail chaplain for female prisoners.
Meeting Francine Rivers blessed me. She’s a genuine lady. But the opportunity to talk with her felt like another God moment. My empty jar overflowed with love for Him. I wanted to stand on my chair and sing the Hallelujah Chorus.
Lord knows that would have emptied the room!
http://francinerivers.com/books/redeeming-love/
http://writers.mounthermon.org
Jar photograph: http://jennywredephotography.com
My smile was short-lived last week.
Even In This 