OVERDUE: not having arrived, happened, or been done by the expected time. (Google dictionary)
Have you ever started a project, thinking it would be done in a timely manner, only to find out that you have no clue when it will be finished?
Well, this is a story about a project that has been under construction for over a period of seven years.
7 YEARS!!!!!!!
In 2015, I wrote my first book, Purpose Through Perspective. In that same year, I wrote another book, a children’s book called, I Will Always Love and Forgive You.
It has always been my desire to have my daughter, Layla, illustrate this book for me. From an early age, we could see that God blessed her with artistic talent, and I wanted to partner with her to create something together, for the glory of God.
So at the tender age of seven years old, this is how she portrayed the characters:
I loved it! I encouraged her to keep going . . . but she didn’t know what to do after 3 drawings, and frustration snuck its way into our project.
Then another year or two went by . . . another attempt at the drawing table. Same thing. After about two drawings, it was like hitting a brick wall.
Fast forward another couple of years. As Layla matured, so did her illustrations. Unfortunately, even with renewed excitement, that brick wall was getting bigger and looking indestructible.
Have you ever wanted to finish something, but just can’t? It can feel hopeless. Maybe even like failure. Perhaps you begin to question yourself if you are even on the right track with what you started.
I never wanted to pressure Layla to do this. I was hoping it would be a good experience, not one that was filled with so much aggravation. So, I waited patiently and prayed that it would be done in God’s timing.
I would like to say this is a message about patience, but really, it has to be said that even with all of Layla’s perseverance, and my prayers, I would not be sharing this with you if it had not been for my husband, Steven, who has been the biggest champion in cheering both of us onward.
Overdue, but not defeated . . . after much encouragement, many prayers, and lots of hours of illustrating . . . IT IS FINISHED!!!
A project that was seven years in the making somehow all came together in a very short period of about 3 months.
The characters may have changed in their appearance over time, but the message inside remains the same. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Stay tuned . . . COMING SOON in 2023
May I encourage you to persevere in whatever God leads you to do.