Q: Dear Valorie,
I'm 48 years old, mother of five grown children and wife to a loving husband of 29 years. My passion is writing – something I’ve been trying to do for a long time. However, I have also committed to helping my pastor start an after-school program. This takes up so much of my time. Because the program is still in its early stage, I have to continue working my full time job in order to make a living. I want to quit the after-school program to work on my writing more, but I know this will hurt my pastor's vision and feelings. He has prophesied to me that I am to work in the ministry. Will I be out of God's will if I follow my dream of writing and quit the after-school center? What will become of my pastor's vision?
Answer 1:
If you feel spiritually led to write, then you are out of God’s will by not writing! Until you do what you have been divinely called to do, you will find yourself frustrated by pursuing your pastor’s vision rather than your own. As much as many of us like to believe that our jobs and projects could not go on without us, they almost always do. Sometimes they go on better without us – especially if we are replaced by someone who has a passion for the job! Passion is a divine compass that leads you onto your unique path in life. Your pastor’s prophecy may be correct: Perhaps you are to work in the ministry – using your writing gift to encourage and uplift others. Stand up for your dreams by quitting the after school center. You may find that your pastor’s feelings are not hurt at all, and if they are, he’ll eventually get over it. Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to do:
1.Identify one significant goal you’d like to accomplish through your writing. Perhaps it’s a book you want to write, or simply time alone writing every day. A compelling goal will help you muster the courage to stand up for yourself.
2.Make a decision and stick to it. If your pastor tries to talk you out of quitting, respectfully let him know that you appreciate him sharing what he feels he heard from God, but that you feel God leading you in another direction. Trust yourself to make decisions based upon what you hear from God.
3.Offer to assist in a transition. Rather than quitting without notice, offer to assist in the program for a set period of time (let’s say, up to one month) so that they have time to replace you. Once the date comes, you are free to go.
4.Write! You’ve spent much of your life taking care of other’s needs. Now it’s time to also do something for you. Be sure to spend your newfound time pursuing your passion. It’s not too late to live your dream!
Life coach and professional speaker Valorie Burton is the author of several books, including What's Really Holding You Back? and Listen to Your Life. Subscribe to her FREE e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
