Heather Meades and her husband Scotty have spent the last 34 years serving globally with Youth With a Mission in India, Cyprus, and Thailand. Heather teaches movement and shares relational skills when she’s not busy with her parents, children and grandchildren. She was recently inspired to write an enjoyable story for her grandchildren and looks forward to writing more. Heather presently resides with her husband in a renovated RV in Louisiana, spending her days spreading relational joy. Check out her book and song here.
A little over a year ago as I was holding my sleeping newborn grandson, I couldn’t help but think of his precious life. I pondered the opportunity my son and daughter-in-law now had. I began dreaming of what his life would be like if they were intentional about his development relative to infant maturity skills and joy building. I committed the idea to prayer, and a seed of a story about them began to germinate in my heart.
The following morning I shared my thoughts with Jesus and took another look at the infant level maturity chart in the book Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You. The story that was sparked the day before came into fullness. I feverishly scribbled it down. As I reread what I wrote, I felt a nudge from God to publish it as a children’s book. Suddenly, I felt a wave of resistance. Writing for my children was one thing and writing for the world to read was something else. That thought felt very scary. Before me was a beautiful yet intimidating invitation to partner with Jesus and I found myself fearful and resistant. Maybe you can relate. Please tell me I am not alone.
I sat with the story for what seemed like months – having no idea how to move forward. Every. Single. Step ahead was unknown to me!
As I reflected on the situation, I decided I needed to focus on the skills I did have and begin with what I did know. I knew from past experiences that if Jesus was nudging and inviting me into some new, even intimidating, He was with me. Taking time to quiet gave me mental space and the ability to see with more clarity. A glimmer of joy began to trickle in as I leaned into learning more about self publishing. Thankfully, in spite of my fear and resistance I knew Jesus was trustworthy. I looked back often and appreciated His faithful ways and it fueled my heart to trust Him in the unknown. Every step of the way He was steadfast, even on the days I felt shaky.
Maybe God is nudging you into something surprising or new. And maybe like me, you are faced with fear and resistance. Oh friend, I understand! I want more than anything for you to take courage.
Is it possible that the nudge you feel is an invitation? Quieting, making room for Jesus to offer more insight, and reflecting on Him being present with me was pivotal to my ability to receiving His invitation into the unknown. Also practicing appreciation with my attention on His past and present faithfulness, gave my heart the fortitude to trust Him even more. Accepting His invitation was worth the growth and now I have a special book about my son’s little family for them to enjoy forever.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Heather
CLICK HERE to see the book on Amazon
Such courage to follow that nudge! The book is precious!
Hi This Julia Adams Crane from Pumpkin Center, La. I am very excited to get the book and read it. Good Luck we never know what new roads we will travel. J Adams