CONFIDENCE and . . .

“We need confidence in the Lord, not ourselves,” Joyce Meyer said on her early morning broadcast. I listened to her, wrote down that phrase and drove to work.

Later that morning a friend shared her Christmas tradition with me. I wrote a “as told to” story. Before submitting the story, I sent it back to the friend for her approval. She didn't email or caller. In the evening I called her home.

“Is it all right if she just emails you her response?” Her husband asked.

Talk about self-focused. I chewed nails in the wait. I felt certain she hated the article and didn't know how to tell me. All evening I fussed and stewed.

Fortunately, I was home alone and too tired to call anyone and whine. After I ate a sandwich and stuffed my face with Fritos, I did the self-talk thing. “Silly girl. Even if she hates it, so what?”

Then I prayed. “Father, help me to have confidence in you. You called me to write—either this story or another story."

The following day I received the email from my friend—“I loved the article just like it is. I hope you can use the story to inspire another family to create a Christmas tradition.”

So why didn’t she tell me that last night? Too busy with family or stressed from the day? Her reason didn't matter, my response did.

Once again I talked to the Lord. "Was this a test Lord? Well, lets see. What is my grade? A—I prayed first. (Nope.) B—trusted in the Lord and not self. (Nope.) C—stuffed my face but didn’t fuss too long. (yeah, well.) D—finally did all three in backwards order. (Yep.) F . . . "

So I received a “D,” at least I didn’t flunk. Did you catch the full impact of the lesson? Every interview will not have a positive outcome, no matter how well you write. I’m fortunate my interviewee liked the way I wrote her story. It isn't published yet, but maybe soon.

Moral of the story: Do your best and move on.