One More Year

Good morning, friends!

I woke up to the realization that I am one year older today. I look in the mirror, and I still don't believe it. I don't feel 52. But then, I never felt like I was 51, either. I'm grateful for this day, and for every birthday that came before. My maternal grandmother made it to 50 before passing away from cancer. She'd had a hard life and had eight children, one of whom died as a child because they couldn't her to the hospital fast enough. In contrast, I have been blessed with three healthy children and have watched them grow, in both faith and in years. I have a husband I love, a good job, and a gift of storytelling that I try to nurture and use well. 

There's no doubt I'm lucky. Someone asked me recently if I thought I was successful and what it meant.

I had to think for a moment. Was success winning awards? I've won a few. And I've been on bestselling lists. Again, exciting. but if that was all that measured success, it would still feel hollow. 

I guess it all comes down to my why. Why do I write? Why do I spend hours upon hours struggling to find the words? It all comes down to using the gift God gave me in the way He wants me to. I will admit, I got sidetracked this year. I became anxious and considered chasing dreams that were born out of the "Fear of Missing Out", otherwise known as FOMO, rather than seeking His wisdom. 

It led to anxiety. Subconsciously, I knew I was not on the right path. 

Then I went to ACFW. It was a time filled with friends and great learning opportunities.

I had no appointments. I had an opportunity to make a few. In the end, I let God handle it. I wound up having three very unexpected conversations that helped me to see that I needed to let go of some of the things I'd been chasing and realize God had placed me where I was for a reason.

Obedience. That is the grace I learned the last week of my 51st year. I cannot tell you how much peace I woke up with this morning. My heart is full of joy knowing that I will be writing another four Love Inspired Suspense books and a Guideposts novella in the next 12 months. I am renewed with excitement, wondering who God has in mind for the books to touch. Because we don't write in a vaccuum. God gives us gifts to touch hearts. 

What has God taught you recently? 

I will be giving 2 commenters their choice of one of my true large print editions.

Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly Bestselling award-winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. 

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. 

Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at www.danarlynn.com.