It became painfully clear the first time my wife and I collaborated on a writing project that procrastination was going to be a major obstacle. Her role was to edit my work and keep me on schedule; my role seemed to be to drive her crazy. Most times, her organization and patience outlasted my resistance to deadlines and direction. I promised to have a certain amount of writing done by the end of one day. For the first hour, I plugged away diligently. Satisfied with what I'd accomplished so far, I decided to take a break. Before I knew it, my time was up. In trouble for sure, I thought of a way out. I set about doing a couple of chores my wife despised and which always netted me praise when I did them.
My plan failed. I sometimes play the same games with God. He brings specific people into my life He wants me to serve or tasks He wants me to accomplish. Like Jonah, who went another way when God gave Him an assignment (Jonah 4:2), I need to set aside my own feelings. I often try to impress God with good deeds or spiritual activity when what He really wants is obedience to His priorities.
Inevitably, my plan fails. Are you dodging duties God makes clear He wants you to tackle? Trust me: Real contentment comes from doing it in His strength and in His way. Obedience pleases God.
Being accountable to my husband often bothers me so I clean our house when he is not at home. Then, unlike your wife, he seldom notices my efforts, but that's okay. Please appreciate, notice and praise your wife's efforts in supporting your book writting endeavors and maybe she would like to write a book too.
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