One of These Things Is NOT...
Are you familiar with the children’s song…” One of these things is NOT like the other”?
I was sitting at the breakfast nook table, sipping my favorite blend of Hazelnut coffee and minding “my own business,” when my heart heard the words…” Share your story so MORE people can be helped.”
My response…God, I do not understand; I do not know what you mean.
“Tell your story in a book; write it so I [meaning GOD] can reach more hearts than your local availability.”
After the shock, disbelief, and mixed feelings of inadequacy AND downright feebleness subsided, I began my quest.
What quest?
The journey of knowledge! I began to research how to author a book. I started reading other stories on how to draft a book.
I journaled about my discoveries.
I cried with friends about what I heard.
I prayed about what God spoke to my heart.
I told my closest friends about it.
Months later, I will tell others what I learned and how they could move forward with their book dream.
Yes, almost two years since the encounter with God I was STILL reading, researching, reviewing, and waiting for a “revelation” of what’s next!
When friends or family would ask me about authoring my story, I would change the subject or surprisingly respond with sharp, curt answers!
Where was I?
I was frustrated.
I was STUCK in the Valley of Ideation between Information and Implementation!
They sound alike, yet they are uniquely different.
Today, I am a number One Best-selling author with books available in various formats and languages and read globally.
How did I cross over the IDEATION bridge from Information to Implementation?
Yes, each start with “I”, yet the outcome is different.
Here are three Aha's:
First, you have to stop and discern the difference- Information is gathering data, facts, and analysis versus implementing the ascertained knowledge into action!
Second, to discover there is a difference between “doing it yourself” by watching many [endless] YouTube videos and hunting for FREEBIES versus someone “doing it WITH you!”.
Someone WITH me calmed my anxiety, someone with me led the way, and someone with me accelerated the time I had lost doing my “research.”
Thirdly, Implementation requires a willful effort! It requires focus and passionate commitment to the goal. It starts with taking the tiny steps, moving forward as the steps unfold one by one. Oh, and celebrating the tiniest of steps.
Now that I am on the other side of my long-awaited ideation and crossed the bridge from information to implementation…I sleep better at night with priceless peace in my heart!
How?
As Jesus said and experienced:
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” John 17:4,5
I know I have done what God placed in my heart, and He IS getting glory as others come to meet Him through the completed work.
Yes, my beloved friend, one of those “I’s” is NOT like the other.
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James 2:17,18 AMPC
I share this story with the hope that it inspires you to make this your year. May you successfully navigate the hills and valleys of ideation, information, and ultimately reach the precious land of implementation.