Even If I Fail a Thousand Times

Flickr Creative Commons - Henrique Pinto

This past weekend I attended my first local writer's group meeting in person. After attending She Speaks last summer, I have numerous writer friends and relationships online, but locally, not so much. I love that we are able to transcend state boundaries and miles of highway and form relationships with the help of the Internet, but I also know the importance of face to face time. (And I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of all the lovely new faces I met!)

I know we go through various seasons in our lives, some more lonely than others. I have been there. And all those seasons are necessary. But I am thankful also for those times God connects us with people and partners and soul sisters.

There is something about being surrounded by others who share your passion.

It feels like community. It feels like home. And it feels nice.

But it's also scary.

It requires vulnerability and transparency and willingness to receive correction. And of course, there is always the possibility of rejection.

But what would life be like if we never took chances?

If we never risked being hurt for the chance to be loved? If we never risked failing for the chance to succeed? If we never opened ourselves up to correction in order to grow?

Just like relationships, the very calling on our lives can be (and usually feels) risky.

For me, putting my words out there for all to see and judge and criticize can welcome anxiety if I think about it too much (and sometimes I do). Writing a book seems overwhelming at times, and has actually caused me to lay the whole project down a time or two (or three).  Once published, there is no taking words back.

I could just sit home and socialize via facebook and email. And I could keep my words hidden in my journals and private files on my computer. (Some days this is definitely my reality)

But I've decided I don't want to miss out on all the good God has planned, even when there's some yuck mixed in (because you know, there is always some yuck).

Flickr Creative Commons - Abi Skipp

I've decided the chance for success and the hope of fulfilling my purpose is worth the risk of failure.

Even if I fail a thousand times.

(Remind me of this every so often, okay?)

All dreams and goals and big plans require risk on some level.

What is your response when faced with something that feels a little scary?

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Linking with:

Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood

Michelle at Graceful

Shanda at A Pause on the Path

Laura at The Wellspring