Patience is a sailor’s virtue, especially in the doldrums—as you wait for wind in a becalmed sea…wait for the storm to diminish…wait for the wind to change direction. As you raise sails. Lower sails. Shift sails. The good news is that you’re very rarely bored when sailing. When you are gifted with a few moments of idleness, take a few deep breaths of pure salty air and savor the sunshine warming your skin as sparkling blue water gurgles against the hull, leaving a bubbly path in your wake.
Sailing is a lot like our lives. It’s not usually calm, perfect conditions, but we need to appreciate every moment of the journey, even the doldrums. Difficult times that challenge us. Seasons when we’re stuck, unable to move forward. Periods of utter fatigue when we feel overwhelmed and want to give up.
We should make the most of those intervals of stagnation. They are blessings that allow you time to catch up—write or call a friend; bake a special treat for a loved one; draw closer to God. Rest! Because life will get crazy again, guaranteed, and you want to be prepared for whatever comes next.
“Patience is not simply the ability to wait—it’s how we behave while we’re waiting” —Anonymous
Although Colors of the Ocean is fiction, several locations within the story are actual places we visited during our 3-year voyage around the world in our sailboat. As I reread my trip journals and paged through photo albums, it made me realize how important it is to record events in our lives. Those tangible items share details of moments that can spark memories which may be accurate or a bit off the beam. As I wrote my book I found great pleasure in reliving portions of our cruising days, sometimes surprised by things I’d forgotten, and a few times grateful I was no longer going through those experiences!
However, my favorite memories from all those adventures were the people—sailors from all walks of life who became part of our cruising family; and immersion into the cultural diversity of Mexico and each island country. What I loved most about everyone we met was their kindness. We might speak different languages, eat different foods, and dress differently, but we were always greeted with warm smiles. Several times we were invited into a family’s home for a beverage or meal, or to attend their church or local festivities. They loved sharing, no matter how little they had and were content in their quiet, less complicated lives.
Those days that we dwelled among the island people gave pause for contemplation—for what was really important and for our purpose in life. It all really came down to one thing. Love each other. If enough people would do small acts of kindness, we could all make a huge impact in our world.
We can do no great things, only small things with great love
The reality of publishing my novel, Colors of the Ocean, deepened when I received the final image for my book cover from Kelly, Elk Lake’s cover designer. I couldn’t stop smiling. As I turned the calendar to September, my smile drooped a bit. I realized that the anticipated late fall launch is not far off. Do you ever feel like there are so many things to do, you become immobile? Or your brain short-circuits into a confusing mass, unable to prioritize everything that needs to get done? Instead you find yourself sliding down rabbit holes and feeling even more overwhelmed.
Daily living gives us a never-ending supply of items to cross off our lists: cooking, cleaning, exercise, gardening, grocery shopping, grandkids, Bible study, volunteering, and of course—writing and all that goes with it. And I’m just getting started. Honestly, I have not slowed down since retirement, just rearranged the schedule!
What I need to remember is to breathe and focus on what God wants me to accomplish each day. In my quiet time each morning I draw close to God, listen, and wait for guidance along His path. Then I am filled with strength and the perseverance to fulfill whatever His purpose is for me that day. By trusting God, I can let go of worries and instead, enjoy this fantastic journey. He’s got this.
Life is both risk & opportunity. Yield to God’s design & purpose with a spirit of trust & enthusiasm.
You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand— Psalm16:11
I assume you’re familiar with the quote, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get”, from Alice in Wonderland. That’s been me the past few months, working in many directions as I prepare for Elk Lake’s publication of my novel, Colors of the Ocean. Release date soon to be announced. At least I finally got my blog converted to this awesome author website with many thanks to Tim McClain for his skill and patience. Photos taken, author bio and back cover rewritten, 3rd and final edits submitted. Check, check, check. I’m still building my social media platform using LinkedIn, and working on an email subscriber list, trying to decide who to use—Substack, MailChimp, or Constant Contact?
Believe me, I am not complaining. God has given me a wonderful opportunity and I’m thankful for this path of life He is leading me on. How blessed to share what I love to do—write—and set forth the inspiration gifted from experiences, people, places, joys, and sorrows. God has used the very worst to make the very best. This is a bit of my testimony.
In 2008, my only son, Shannon, contracted West Nile Virus. He wasn’t able to fight off the virus due to being on immunosuppressant meds because of a kidney transplant in 1992. His prognosis poor, he eventually awoke from a coma, but remained paralyzed and on life support for a year—the remainder of his life. There are no adequate words to describe the fear and deep pain of that year. But because of my helplessness and finally reaching out to God, who I’d mostly ignored for years, He bestowed hope and many miracles during those dark days. My faith journey began as I learned to trust God through the valleys, not just the mountaintops. I surrendered my life to Him and God gave me the courage and strength to persevere through and after Shannon’s passing in 2009. Then He showed me how to use those deepest emotions and rewrite the novel I’d been working on for a few years. Only this time, God was the author and I His pen and paper.
I began this blog with the simple intention of updating you on the progress of publication for my Christian Young Adult novel, an adventure that crosses an ocean and generational bridges. Instead, I’ve shared my testimony—the turning point of my life. That’s what God does. He takes over my thoughts and my heart. And I follow down whatever path he may lead me.
It’s been quite a learning experience, following, and not trying to organize and control my own destiny. But I’ve found that God knows what He’s doing, while I rarely do. His plans are always much better than mine. Not always easier, but always fulfill His purpose for my life. What is that purpose? To plant seeds of faith. To water, feed, and nurture those budding flowers. Good thing I love gardening!
True faith, true belief, isn’t possible where there’s not a daily doing of what Jesus says. They’re what make faith take root and spring to life … Neglecting the things he says, there’s no soil in which your faith can grow—George McDonald— “Knowing the Heart of God”
What does navigating a boat across an ocean have in common with writing a book? Both sailing and composing a story take us on exciting, fulfilling, although occasionally challenging journeys. Just as we need instruction and tools to steer our boat along the path we prefer to take, we must also have some basic knowledge in the craft of the written word.
Sometimes we cruise on calm seas and the words flow easily. Other times we wander through a fog of confusion and despair. Where am I? Why did I choose this difficult undertaking? Fear and uncertainty join the crew for a brief interval, but eventually are replaced once more with exuberance and courage… until I hit the doldrums—becalmed, drifting, my thoughts a blank sea of glass. But even though I’m stuck, going nowhere, I can still find inspiration in the writing of others such as Francine Rivers, Michael Phillips, Kristin Hannah, and my new favorite author, Amanda Dykes. Their books transport me to other lands and centuries, and suddenly I find myself in the midst of new lives facing their own highs and lows. They encourage me to not give up, to move forward. I begin to be drawn back into my own stories, my created characters who have become part of me, both family and friend. A gentle breeze ruffles the sails. Before I realize it, I’m back on course, headed to my destination—the completion of my next novel.
I’ll likely run into turbulence along the way —rough seas that threaten to capsize the boat and gale force winds that cause me to change course. However, these disruptions are only temporary. Winds and seas will soon settle again into better sailing conditions with a fifteen-knot wind on a comfortable beam reach beneath balmy azure skies. From survival mode I’ll be lulled back into the rhythm of the sea, waves of inspiration pushing me onward with renewed clarity and purpose.
Where does this peaceful state of mind come from, even during the storms? It begins every morning with quiet time. Reading Scripture, contemplating, and praying. God’s thoughts become my thoughts. His purpose becomes the path for my day. His words pour forth through my pen.
And the voyage continues…
A few of my favorite books:
Whose Waves These Are and All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes
Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers
Secret of the Rose series and Caledonia series by Michael Phillips
How many whispers of the watching Spirit do we let slip by? While we brood over a need not yet come to us!…When we should be still, sleeping, or dreaming, we’re fretting about an hour that lies half a sun journey’s away! —from “Knowing the Heart of God” by George MacDonald
Welcome. You are invited on the maiden voyage of my newest category—For & About Writers. I’ve recently completed revising my novel, Colors of the Ocean, for the umpteenth time and am currently exploring publishing options which is another whole job in itself. Although it’s not nearly as much fun as writing a story, I’m learning all about marketing, email newsletters, sell-sheets, and so much more. Yikes! It’s a bit overwhelming, but who doesn’t love a good challenge? Keeps us young and on our toes. Thank goodness for writing conferences such as Taylor University’s Professional Writing and Ball State’s Mid-West Writer’s program, writer organizations like American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and most importantly, critique groups. My writing friends at Heartland Christian Writers (HCW) offer a variety of creativity that include novels, non-fiction, inspirational poems, and journalism. Without all of these wonderful resources, I’d have no idea what I’m doing or how to share my stories with the world.
Speaking of sharing, below are a few short excerpts from my Young Adult (YA) novel that also may appeal to mature middle graders and adults. It’s written from two viewpoints—thirteen-year-old Roxi and her grandmother as they explore the world in a sailboat and overcome their stormy relationship.
Roxi McKay clung to the rail of the wobbly sailboat, Dawn's Dove, as it motored away from its slip. Her insides were crumbling like a sand sculpture when the tide rushes in. She glared through brimming eyes at her mother, Star, as the distance between them grew... She licked a salty film off full lips as she recalled that final day with her mom. "I'm gonna miss you Mom. Will you miss me?" Star had taken a long drag on her cigarette and let it out slowly. "Well of course, Snuggle Bunny. But what an opportunity for both of us. This new part on the soap opera is going to make me rich and famous." She flashed a fake smile. "And you're embarking on a fabulous adventure." "Really? You don't even care that I could die out there?" Star's eyes flashed with alarm for an instant, but then narrowed. "You're more of a drama queen than I am. Stop thinking only about yourself." Her voice hardened. "Do you know how much I've sacrificed for you? My career, freedom, relationships,pretty much my whole life!" It always came back to this same argument. Now Roxi found herself stuck on this dumb boat with grandparents she barely knew. Star had finally promised that if Roxi still felt unhappy after a year of traveling, she could return home... Can I survive this? She stole one last glance toward the distant shore. Star was long gone. The scent of the sea conjured images of squiggly jellyfish and giant squid lurking beneath its murky surface. Roxi shivered in the damp October wind and squinted at the vast gray ocean ahead. Just like her future, it stretched out before her, bleak and unknown.
That’s all for now. Next time I’ll share a tidbit from Carol’s POV. I’ll keep you updated on progress of my publishing journey. By the way, I learned a new word today: raconteur: a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way.
Hope is the child of faith & worry the child of doubt. While we may not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future—excerpt from Days of Grace by Lewis B. Smedes
cheryldfitzgerald.com 