And then He reins me in.

And then He reins me in.

I was talking to my sister about taking photographs for me. She’s a photographer and I need photos of myself for my blog, for my book cover, for the Facebook author page I’ll be setting up in the next few weeks . . . you know, now that I’m famous and everything. (Kidding!) So, I was telling her I really like Kathryn Stockett’s photo and she was joking about bringing a ladder and a fan. I really enjoyed Kathryn’s book, and after talking to my sister I read a little more about her. I came across an interview from Glamour. (Glamour! Can you imagine having an interview in Glamour?!)

But it kind of stopped me in my tracks.
I wasn’t really thinking that my novel would be as big as The Help. I mean, that would be awesome . . . kind of. But I’m not expecting it. Or even really hoping for it. I’ve mostly been praying that my book would reach the people who need to read it. After all, the most important works of art usually aren’t overnight sensations. But this article really checked my priorities.
Kathryn Stockett’s eleven-year marriage came to an amicable end.
I don’t want that.
I don’t want professional success at the cost of my marriage or my children.
This is my prayer:
On the days I’m trying to figure out how to fit book promotion into this life when my kids are screaming for attention, please remind me that they’re only little for a few moments. And those moments shape their forever.

And when I’m tempted to let writing and marketing take over all my weekends and evenings while pushing aside the man who’s stood beside me all this time, remind me that he was here before. He loves me even though I’m nothing and he’s been my rock through this whole journey.

Don’t let me forget that all I have is this moment and I need to work hard at the task before me . . . often that task is related to my career, but more often it has to do with one of those three faces I love most in this world.
I only want this God’s way.
After reading that interview, I remember why.

Photo Credit: April Roskos

6 Comments
  • demery
    Posted at 20:44h, 25 July Reply

    I love this prayer, Alison! And I will pray it with you and for you. We need to catch up soon. Love you, my friend.

  • April Olivia
    Posted at 22:02h, 25 July Reply

    Beautiful prayer Ali!! <3 I am honored and a bit anxious being one who will be shooting some of your pictures, and I so happy to be the little sis(okay, well I'm not little anymore!) to you, the awesome writer

  • Angelina
    Posted at 13:41h, 26 July Reply

    Oh man, the first couple lines of your prayer gave me goosebumps (and a tinge anxiety and guilt). They are so true. These moments do shape their forever, and are so so important. More important than what seems "Important" to me in the moment. Thank you for the reminder.

  • Alison Treat
    Posted at 16:03h, 26 July Reply

    Thank you, Dem! We do need to catch up. Love you, too.

  • Alison Treat
    Posted at 16:07h, 26 July Reply

    Don't be anxious. I'll just make you keep taking them till you get a good one. 😉 Thanks, April.

  • Alison Treat
    Posted at 16:12h, 26 July Reply

    No guilt, Angelina! So glad it gave you goosebumps, though.

Post A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.