Settling is NOT Settling

I know, I know, the title is almost off-putting, but I'm on to something here.

When we settle with our current reality; our vocation that isn't quite what we dream of, or financial state, or attitude, or lack of date nights with our spouse, or impoverished faith... when we nestle in and pack down our bedding, we've settled. In most of these circumstances we could make a plan, envision a new future, shift our priorities, pray and instigate new habits and attitudes.

But we've settled in.

On the other hand, we have the opportunity every day to settle our plans. To position our values, goals and action steps into the most engaging arrangement for success. Establish order in our lives for the best chance of success.

For you that might mean working a job you don't like for a season as you save and pay off debt and develop your dream job on the side.

Or maybe you're slowly shifting your schedule to engage the family rhythm you dream of.

Or maybe you're finally pressing into that novel you've been planning on writing for a decade.

Whatever our current reality let's be sure to step back and take in the whole picture. Don't just settle in, settle on... Unless you're done growing, dreaming, dating your wife and simply discovering who God designed you to be and what adventures He has waiting, then by all means, settle in.

Rejection Today...

Today I received a rejection letter from the Steve Laube Agency for a manuscript I had worked on for nearly two years.

Turns out my manuscript was lost for several months in the wrong pile within his office. He was "mortified" to discover this lost book, even a book he would reject. He offered advice, a word of praise and even challenged me to engage some new areas of writing. Helpful and encouraging rejection.

Most author's books are rejected.

Most songwriter's songs are rejected.

Most movie pitches' and design ideas are rejected.

Rejection stinks. But rejection is a great way to remind ourselves that we're in the game. That we're out there boldly pitching our best. That it's a great opportunity to reflect on what was rejected.

The thing is, I wasn't rejected. Steve Laube doesn't know me. My work and my limited platform were rejected. It's not personal, it's potential. Potential to take advice and grow. Potential to create options. Potential to try again later. There's a whole box of potential waiting to be tapped within rejection.

When was the last time you were rejected? What's stopping you from going for another? Find your circle, mourn rejection, be encouraged and go for the goal one more time. Come one, let's do it!

Thanks Steve Laube, I appreciate your rejection... mostly.