My Mount Hermon Experience
My main goal before leaving for the conference was to not get overwhelmed while there. God was faithful in helping me to not be anywhere near overwhelmed. I had made a list of all the people I wanted to meet, and I managed to shake hands and/or hug all of them. When I discovered a few more people (from the roster of attendees) I crossed paths with the majority of them as well before the conference ended– God even brought one woman right to my table! There were only two women I didn’t get a chance to meet, but with 400+ people in attendance, I’m blessed I met as many as I did.
As I said, I didn’t get overwhelmed. I wasn’t upset when my pre-submits were rejected. The only thing that really upset me was when my 2nd son (15) told me he loved me (on the phone) without prompting. That’s when I started aching for my family. But, I knew this trip wasn’t forever, so I resolved to “do the next thing” until I was home. Prayer was a big help, too.
Prior to the conference, people spoke about “meeting God” at MH, so I was really hoping to have my own moving experience– I was hoping He would tell me whether I should focus on writing, or homeschooling, or Web design, or a combination of two, or what. I was hoping for some confirmation. I saw many people getting emotional during the conference– made me feel a little left out. But, I was able to remind myself that it’s not about me. One woman, whom I knew years ago and was surprised to find at the conference, pointed out that maybe my “experience” had happened before the conference, or maybe it would come after. Another friend pointed out that perhaps I’m just so in-tune with “seeing” God provide that it doesn’t “hit” me like it does so many people.
To make this long story short, I think my “experience” started three months before the conference, and culminated during the two days following the conference. It’s been one long story of God providing for me. Now, if you want to hear that long story, keep reading…
Back in December, Alpha Omega Publications decided to hire me to help write copy for their redesigned Web site. After much prayer, and discussion with my husband, I accepted the job. Writing the copy for The Weaver Curriculum line paid for my plane ticket to CA. I foolishly jumped at the chance to write copy for the LIFEPACs too, without praying first, or discussing it with my husband. I finished that job and earned enough to buy a new laptop, but I also learned a valuable lesson: Seek God in everything first, and discuss everything with my husband, too.
So, then I had a ticket to CA and a scholarship to a writers’ conference. God provides! During the conference, I learned a lot from Susan King about writing for The Upper Room. Many of the things I already knew about writing magazine articles were reinforced, and I even learned a few new things. I also learned that all these people I “see” online each day– they’re just people, like me. They all have their flaws, and they all love writing and helping writers.
When I left MH, I learned my flight was canceled due to heavy rains in TX and OK. I shared a shuttle to the nearest Holiday Inn and checked in– only to learn another conferee had paid for my room! God provides! Later that night I learned that 8 other conferees were also stranded at the hotel. We met for dinner and one of the men picked up the whole tab. Again, God provides!
The other conferees were able to reschedule for Wednesday flights. I spent time in the lobby, waiting to see people and say goodbye. I paged through my binder from Mount Hermon and proceeded to draft an article as I waited. I spent time walking around the grounds, taking photos of squirrels, trees, plants– there was a finch cage in the lobby that I got a few pictures of, too. Back in my room, I sat by the window and drafted a second article and made notes for my next DabblingMum.com column.
When I called my husband to give him my new flight info, I realized I had been bumped to First Class. God provides! I was up at 3:45am and in the lobby by 4:15. The shuttle took another guest and I to the airport early since we were ready. Once on the plane, I was able to switch seats with the person next to me so I could have a window seat. We chatted some, off and on, throughout the flight. I gave him my very last business card. My connecting flight in Dallas was a few minutes late, which was good because I didn’t realize how soon it was supposed to leave. God held that plane for me. God provides!
I had made a to-do list while at MH, outlining the things I need to do for clients, and articles I need to write. I also drafted a few articles into my journal, which I now need to query a few magazines about. I’ll get back to work later today. This past weekend was set aside for my family, and for thanking God. I am one of those who “pray without ceasing” as I go about my day. My focus is on God and how to give glory to Him. This past weekend, rather than ask for anything, I thanked Him for all He’s done, and all He will do, in my life. Everywhere I look I have something to be thankful for!
So, what have I learned from my MH experience? God provides! It’s not about me. My job is to do the task He sets before me, and do it to my best ability.Sometimes that job is writing. Sometimes that job is Web design. Always that job is “wife/mom.” If He wants me to do something, He will provide the way, the means, and the people. He will provide for all my needs.
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