One of the most beneficial things a writer can do is attend a conference. These events provide novices and published authors with networking opportunities, social events, and instruction for learning skills needed to navigate the business side of writing. After attending a couple of conferences and finishing my first novel, I was encouraged to request a pitching appointment with an agent. I anticipated the meeting with a high level of expectation of success.
As the conference date approached, I used visualization to prepare for the appointment. I imagined my actions and what I would say during my discussion with the agent. I practiced calming techniques to combat nervousness and polished the first chapter of my manuscript for the agent’s scrutiny. I practically memorized my proposal. Then I visualized success. I envisioned the best meeting a first-timer could have, even if it did not result in a contract. The agent’s bio noted that she enjoyed working with writers starting their journey. Most of all, I prayed God would lead me with a loving, Fatherly hand.
The Expectation of Success – Go get ’em, Tiger!
The room buzzed with the conversations and nervous energy of others who were in a similar position as I. Hope churned in my stomach. I expected to deliver my prepared pitch and answer any of her questions with graceful confidence. I was a shy beginning writer with a big dream of becoming a published author. The future was full of possibilities, and I felt sure I would smile at the end of the meeting because I had done something to further my writing goals.
The Reality – The Long Walk
Well, things didn’t happen exactly the way I expected.
Unlike the picture I had conjured in my head, the actual appointment spiraled downhill before it started.
At the end of a 15-minute appointment that started five minutes late, the uninterested agent dismissed me in favor of resuming a previous conversation. The long retreat from the appointment area seemed less hopeful than the approach. Afterward, I considered hiding in my hotel room, away from the excitement and energy of the conference. But I had traveled too far from home to waste time wallowing in self-pity because of an unfulfilled expectation.
Later, I reflected on the long walk through the same waiting area after my appointment. I realized nothing had changed. Hope had still filled the atmosphere of the conference room. Smiles had surrounded me as when I had arrived an hour before. Even if I hadn’t landed a publishing contract, I was still a writer.
Most importantly, God had not changed. He hadn’t washed His hands of me because a goal I had set for myself hadn’t materialized. He comforted me by pouring His word into my spirit. My faith grew as I allowed His words to teach me about expectations.
Three Lessons about Expectations
Lesson 1 – Nothing is greater than God. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Lesson 2 – He is always close. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
Lesson 3 – He cares about our future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God is faithful to us and blesses those who flex their faith muscles. At times, reality does not match our expectations. There’s a whole chapter in Hebrews dedicated to people who had faith and watched God do things in ways they hadn’t expected.
- Joseph never expected to be sold into slavery or cast into prison, but God elevated him to a position of honor and power.
- Because of her faith, Rahab and her family were saved when the Israelites conquered her city.
- Noah warned the people of the unprecedented destruction that would come; yet, when the doors of the ark were closed, only he, his family, and the animals were saved.
There are no guarantees we will achieve the results we expect. We will experience disappointment. However, God expects us to have faith and trust His promises. Trust God’s timing because He knows what is best for us.
Thankyou for your excellent blog. I too had a similar experience at a christian conference where I was interviewed by an editor/publisher and promised all sorts which never eventuated and the person never even returned my emails etc. very disappointing but eventually I of course forgave, recovered and moved on.
That experience must have been very difficult. It’s wonderful to be freed from the pain of it and continue on. Thank you for sharing.
I wish I could go back in time and give you a hug. That must have been so hard.
Thanks for the encouragements. It’s good to have them reinforced so when your own hard moment comes, you can remember and claim them.
Thanks
Thank you for such a kind comment. As I was writing this, I realized the sting of that incident has subsided, and I now have a better understanding of how God brings us though difficult experiences.