Celebrating

Also at that time, people will say,
"Look at what's happened! This is our God!
We waited for him and he showed up and saved us!
This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate,
sing the joys of his salvation. (see Isaiah 25:9, MSG)

When was the last time you succeeded in achieving a goal?

This month, as I’ve shared before, I participated in ACFW’s first ever Novel Track: Writing challenge.

The idea is writers set their own word total goal for the month of July and work on whatever WIP they want. In April, God had clearly given me my next writing project assignment. And before I decided to join Novel Track: Writing challenge I had plotted and planned and filled out my character sketches. So I was prepared, somewhat. *grin* Who couldn’t use a little more time to plan (read: procrastinate)?

But there I was with my goal and a vacation, our large family plus a dog, and lots of church obligations packed into July.

Writing isn’t my whole life. *grin*

But something wonderful happened—I made my goal!!

Then it was time to celebrate! I emailed my friends. I posted a new Facebook status and cheered aloud in my room. *smile* And the timing is perfect. My husband and I celebrate our anniversary today—so we’re having a little time to celebrate.

We should also celebrate with others who are celebrating. As people posted the news of having met their goals on the e-loop, some of us sent our congrats. We celebrated together. Like when someone gets a book contract or finds the right agent.

So, just in case you needed permission or persuasion—here it is: next time something great happens, celebrate! God is with you. He is for you. And He has called you. Enough tough stuff happens in the biz. Celebrate the breakthroughs, the met goals, the finished WIPs. Let those moments recharge you for the next challenge.