Just sitting here, reflecting on this past week and all that God has done. It’s important that we take time to give God praise, and that’s exactly what I want to do this morning. He is such a personal Father. He doesn’t forget your dreams—even when you do!
I’ll never forget listening to esteemed editor Margaret McElderry speak about her children’s book imprint with Simon & Schuster. At the time, it was early in my career, and I wasn’t even sure what having your own imprint meant, but as I listened to her heart on the subject, and heard the joy in her voice as she described the process of finding very special children’s book manuscripts and following those projects through until they landed in the hands of children all over the world, my heart started pounding so hard that I was sure those near me could hear it.
“Someday, if I ever learn enough about writing for children and get the opportunity, that’s what I want to do.” I wrote those words in my notebook that afternoon, which seemed ridiculous. At the time, I didn’t even have one children’s book published. Not even one.
Fast forward to 2018. It seemed my dream of having my own children’s book imprint was coming to pass! All of the pieces were falling into place. I was amazed at what was transpiring, and then, just as quickly as the opportunity presented itself, it was gone. An unexpected merger with a much bigger publishing house changed everything. When the dust had settled, it was obvious my children’s book imprint would not be launched after all. All talk of such a thing ceased, and honestly, I was okay with it. I remember telling God, “I’m okay with it. If You are phasing me out of the publishing world; if my time of being used by You in this industry is coming to a close—I’m okay with it and very grateful. It’s been a wonderful ride.” And that was it. I figured I would keep training other writers and hopefully be a blessing in that way, and write a couple of books each year. I was content to come out of the game and slowly take my place on the publishing bench…
But, as I said before, God never forgets the dreams He places in your heart. So when I was having dinner with my colleagues Andy Clapp and Victoria Duerstock in May 2021 in North Carolina, we chatted about goals, dreams, and destiny. Victoria had just launched End Game Press, and I was thrilled that she’d asked me to write the first holiday children’s book for her new publishing house, but I had no idea that God was about to do a big thing. Andy, Victoria and I shared our hearts, and I remember telling them that I had once thought I’d have my own children’s book imprint, but that I was sure “that ship has sailed.” I said, “That’s one dream which never came to pass, but I’m still grateful for all that God has done.” And I meant it. I thought I’d be slowing down, fishing more, and easing into retirement. But God had other plans.
But God! Two very powerful words. At Christian Product Expo (CPE) one year ago, Victoria said she wanted to meet that first night in St. Louis. I remember her saying, “I’d love to bring your experience and expertise in the children’s market to End Game Press with your own children’s book imprint…” I think I floated back to my room. You see, I had given up on that dream but God hadn’t.
So this past week, as Victoria and I set up the End Game Press booth the day before CPE began, I stood in amazement as she pulled out the “Wren & Bear Books” banner. It was official. The children’s book imprint birthed in my heart all those years ago has been launched for such a time as this—two Wren & Bear books will release in the Spring, followed by two more in Fall 2023. And we are working on 2024 titles now! I’m not retired. I’m refired! And, I could not be more grateful to God and to Victoria for this new adventure. I feel like everything I’ve done in my career has prepared me for “such a time as this.” I left CPE totally exhausted but with a very full heart. God just keeps confirming and opening doors and showing us His great favor.
So I share this journey with you because I want to tell you—God is not done with you yet. He has a plan, and His timing is always perfect. Resurrect those dreams that He put in your heart—no matter how crazy they may seem—because if He put them there, He has the perfect way to bring them to life. And you’re going to love it!
PS Pastor and author Robert Morris once said, “If you want to know God’s dream for your life, get to know God. Spend time with the One who will reveal your dream and fulfill it.”
My interpretation of that? Don’t seek the dream. Seek the Dream Giver. The rest will fall into place.