Things That Matter Most...
When I first decided to publish my first book, it was a nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching experience. I recall telling my wife many things during that time. I had hopes – that people would like it, dreams – to make enough money to write full-time, and expectations – that there would be a lot of work still to do. In all, these three things were in the realm of possibilities (some more than others.) However, there was was something I told my wife above all these – my mission. I wanted what I wrote to change lives. I remember saying, "If my this story changes one life for the better, it's all been worth it in the end." This became a mission statement of sorts.
When I set out to accomplish, well, anything, I often set goals. If I don't officially formulate them and record them, I generally at least have an idea of where 'd like to end up. Goals, however, aren't enough. You have to have a plan. Sun Tsu wrote that a well-planned attack poorly executed is better than a well-executed, but poorly planned attack. So, I tried my hardest to put together a plan. It wasn't great. Still, I planned. As I've worked over the past few years, I have learned from others where I can. I'm still learning and my plan continues to evolve. It gets better and the results continue to change (though, sometimes sporadic.) It seems that my initial expectations of much work remaining were grossly underestimated. And, I continue to work a full-time job. At times, it has been easy to get discouraged. In an "instant" society where we have grown accustomed to instant gratification, my dreams have been delayed.
My mission had become cloudy.
Earlier this month I attended a convention, one I had attended previously. While at the convention a lady came up to be and presented me with a watercolor canvas painting she had made of me. It was inspired by the cover of Choice of the Mighty. It was an incredible heartfelt gesture. She had messaged me on Instagram to make sure I would be there. So, this wasn't totally unexpected. What happened next, however, was.
As I'm standing there, glowing from having received my first fan art, she says to me, "Turn it over." So I did. She had inscribed it to read:
Kenyon, your books have inspired me and made me believe in myself 100%! Thank you for being the light in a dark world and shining so bright! If not for you, I would have quit writing. So, thank you!
I was stunned. Reviews I had received in the past had echoed similar sentiments. Still, this was different. This young lady took the time to paint a picture for me, not because of an good story she read, but because of the impact it (and I) had on her. I cried. How had I forgotten my mission – my reason for writing? So, thank you, "T," for reminding me of the things that matter most!
Matthew 6:21 NIV – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
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