Never underestimate the power of meeting new people

I have been in a slump lately, unable to focus and not wanting to do much. Unmotivated, even though there are piles of things I should be doing. I prayed about it. It didn’t seem to get much better, until …

I participated in a book and arts and craft fair in Cheraw, South Carolina, this past week-end. For those of you who are not local, Cheraw is a smallish town about a half hour from my home. The turn-out was less than hoped for, and I didn’t sell any books. But I left more energized and alive than I have been in a long time.

Gathered with me were about eight women of various ages who, for the most part, authored Christian non-fiction. Because few came to buy, I had time to visit with each of the writers and listen to their stories. A tiny nine-year-old wrote about how she handled her parent’s separation. Her goal – to help other children going through what she went through. Her book is beautifully done and tells a great story.

I met a lady who wrote about her journey with multiple sclerosis. Another wrote about being single. Another created Bible studies, and two amazing women wrote poetry, both of them using this God-given gift as a way to create inner peace.

Their stories wove a tapestry of love around my heart. Here were women dedicated to exposing their pain and disappointment by using it as God intended: to strengthen others. WOW. I was humbled to share the empty room with them.

I believe God puts people in our paths just when you need them, and these faithful women were just what I needed. If the event had been well attended, I may have made a few dollars, but I would have missed out on an amazing blessing.

Whatever you have going on this week, I will pray God uses it to encourage you. Tell me about your God-provided pleasures...

Blessings, Regina