This will probably come as no surprise to you, but I’m a total library and bookstore nerd. I love the smell, look and feel of books. I could spend hours walking through the aisles of bookshelves and never get bored.
When my husband and I lived in Minnesota, our house was five minutes from both the library and Barnes and Noble. This was both a beautiful and dangerous gift, if you know what I mean. It was beautiful because literary heaven was only a short drive away, but it was dangerous because … well … who can go into a bookstore without buying a book?
I often stopped by these places to decompress after work, or have a place to write without distractions on the weekend.
One day after work I lost track of time, and after an hour of browsing at the library, I ended up with five books in my hands. OK, Lauren. There’s no way you have time to read all of these. Just pick one. I said to myself. I look down at the books and the title of one held my attention. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, it read.
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but at first glance something was telling me to take this book home. Maybe it was the interesting name. Maybe it was because I was hungry and mashed potatoes sounded delicious. Regardless of the reason, I checked the book out and drove home.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society ended up being an entertaining and witty read. Let’s just say I made the right choice. But the thing I admired most about the story was not the humor or the intricate plot, but the story behind the story.
In the afterword, the book shares a few details about the author, Mary Ann Shaffer. You’ve probably never heard of her, but I think we all can learn something from Mary Ann.
Born in West Virginia, Mary Ann spent much of her life working in some of California’s public libraries. She also worked at Harper & Row, which has since been acquired by HarperCollins Publishers. When Mary Ann first joined Harper & Row, she was a receptionist, but by the time she reached the height of her service there, she had advanced to the editor’s chair.
Her career was no doubt inspiring. But as I continued to read, I discovered something even more moving about Mary Ann — her life-long dream was to someday “write a book that someone would like enough to publish.”
You might read this and think, Oh, isn’t that sweet that someone actually got to see their dream come true. But here’s the thing: Mary Ann didn’t sign her first book contract — the contract for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie — until she was 72. That means she waited seven decades for her dream to come true.
Can you imagine waiting seven decades for your dream to come true? I don’t know about you, but this encourages me in so many ways. It encourages me to keep being patient and trust God’s plan, as His Word commands. It encourages me to keep walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). It encourages me to be thankful for what God has done and is doing (Hebrews 12:28-29).
If a woman can wait 72 years for a dream to come true, certainly I can wait on God’s timing for the dreams and passions He’s placed in my heart.
Mary Ann actually passed away before her book was published (and reached the number one position on the New York Times Bestseller List for paperback trade fiction) … but even though she didn’t live to see her dream come true, God didn’t waste it, and Mary Ann has left a legacy for years to come.
It’s never too late for a dream to come true, and nothing is wasted with our God.
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn’t wasted. {1 Corinthians 15:58}
As a young writer who’s on the cusp of getting her first book published, Mary Ann’s story inspires me. It shows me that dreams can and do eventually come to life. We just have to walk by faith, be obedient and trust in the One who put those dreams in our hearts in the first place.
Our dreams might not come true on our time table and it might be hard to leave everything in God’s hands, but His timing is perfect.
It’s easy to give up on things.
We tell ourselves we’ve missed the boat or it will never happen for us.
We tell ourselves: “That’s nice that she gets to live out her dream, but mine is never going to come true.”
We tell ourselves things are too far out of our reach. But they aren’t, because anything is possible with God.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” {Matthew 19:26}
No one and nothing is ever too far gone or without a second chance. This goes for both our dreams and our lives. We may face roadblocks, storms and other hardships but anything is possible. Mary Ann is just one of the millions of examples of this truth. With God all things are possible. Be encouraged and assured of that today, dear friend.
What dreams are you currently pursuing? How is God working in and through that process?
So encouraging! This somewhat reminds me of my last post entitled “What Is Your Passion” I am currently in the process of getting started writing my first self published book (I am at the very beginning stages). By the way, I am also a library and bookstore nerd! I could spend hours in a bookstore!
I’ll have to go read that post, Valerie! Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day.
We just have to walk by faith, be obedient and trust in the One who put those dreams in our hearts in the first place.-Amen Lauren, Amen!! Blessings as you continue to seek your dreams!
Thanks, sweet friend. I hope you’re having an amazing week so far!
WOW! Amen. I think I get discouraged about my blog sometimes; It really does feel right to be doing it, but I get discouraged that it doesn’t seem like many are reading. But I’m so thankful that God does wondrous things, and that it doesn’t depend on me …. I’ll just keep being faithful, and I can’t wait to see how the Lord will choose to use me!
God is already using you in the most wonderful ways, dear Emily! My prayer today is that you would see the impact you’re already making and rest in the season God has you in right now! He is doing a great thing in and through you!! <3
This was so encouraging! I absolutely love how you said God is not going to let our dreams go to waste. I definitely believe that. I know that He gave me this dream so He will make it happen. Thank you so much for this sweet encouragement!
Thanks for reading, Kendra! Believing that God has beautiful things in store for you!!
This is so encouraging. Thank you Lauren!
My dream is to write a book, to build a community and to have a family.
So good, Megan! Thanks for reading and sharing your dreams with us. I will be praying for God’s will to be done! <3
I admire people who figure out and accomplish their dreams early in adulthood. But, the stories like this where people accomplish there dreams later in life are so inspirational. I’m going to look up this book at our library, sounds like a good one!
You’re going to love the book, and I think you will be even more inspired after reading it. Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! Have an amazing day!
Going out to get this book, just what I need to read right now at this time in my life.
You’re going to love the book, Laureen! It’s an entertaining and inspiring read.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Love these words of hope, Lauren!
It is NEVER too late!
Truth! Thanks for stopping by, Melanie.
Thanks for linking up your words at the #RaRaLinkup May the Spirit keep leading as you rest in His care.
Thanks so much, Katie!
Such a great reminder to never give up
Yep, if she can wait 72 years, I can certainly be a little more patient!
I know, right?! So humbling and inspiring.
What a terrific message! Thanks for sharing the back story—I read this years ago, but had no idea!
Thank you for reading, dear friend!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful message!
It’s an honor to be able to share faith inspiration with all of you lovely readers! I hope you have a great week, Allison!
I needed this in my life right now!
Oh, Megan, I am so glad this post could speak to you. Have a blessed week!
I think that never giving up is sometimes hard to do but so worth it. Thanks for the wonderful reminder about not giving up on your dreams.
Yes! So true, Tona. Praying God will continue to use your ministry for His glory and that He will nourish the dreams He’s placed in your heart!
Great reminder! Thank you, Lauren.
Love and hugs to you, Alice! Have a blessed week!
I feel like I needed just this message. I often wonder if I’m using my talents in the way God intended. This was a great reminder!
I feel like I need this message all the time, so I am with you!! Praying that you will find rest in God as you follow His leading in your life! <3
Love this! I have been meaning to read that book for a while now. And what a great reminder for us to continue to pursue our dreams and trust in God!
You will love the book, Jenni!
Loved this! I’m nearly finished with a book titled “The Waiting”. Beautiful story that I won’t give away but it resonates with the heart of your message today. What a good, good Father we have! I can almost see him peering over our shoulders…steering, leading and directing our dreams. Dreams that will manifest themselves in His perfect timing. Lu!
Oh, sweet friend, what a beautiful picture you’ve painted of the Father’s love for us. Miss you, and hope you are doing well!
Hi, Lauren! I am participating in Suzie Eller’s “21 Days to Revolutionary Prayer.” I confess that I am a bit behind, so I was writing my “get real with God” prayer this morning. I, too, have had a dream in my heart for years to write and speak to women about the Glory of God Almighty! I even have sensed His call to that ministry at least three times. The first two times, I ran scared after a bit; but, the dream persisted. The last time, I knew I needed to step out in faith.
But fears persisted. So, I confessed them this morning. Then, I read your post.
What encouragement! I felt as if the Lord were answering my exact prayer with your post. I am grateful. I join you in praying that God will continue to direct you down your dream path. All to His glory! Thank you, again, for sharing these words!
Hi, Linda! It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I will be praying over you as you lean into God to discern what He may be calling you to in this season! Be encouraged that you are not alone in this journey. We are all cheering you on!! 🙂
Oh, I love these encouraging thoughts to remember that nothing is wasted when given over to God! That book sounds so lovely, and such an amazing thought to think she waited over seven decades! And, yes, I’ve loved the libraries and bookstores in my life too–some of the best were when we lived in Minnesota too! I’m blessed to be your neighbor over at #LiveFreeThursday!
Amen! Nothing is wasted when we give it over to the Lord. So good, Bettie. Have a blessed week!
Wonderful article, so inspiring.
SO inspiring (as always, Lauren!). And it makes me realize how very impatient I am!
Oh girl, I feel ya. I can be super impatient, too! Hugs and much love to you. Have a great weekend!
Well stated Lauren. Lots of great points here. You remind us that God’s timing is perfect. He is never surprised or caught off guard. All He asks is that we trust Him and follow His leading. Words of inspiration indeed. Patience has never been a strong suit of mine. God continues to show me the blessings that come from waiting on Him. Congrats the progress you have made with your book. I’m sure God will bless what He has called you to do. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and may God bless you and yours in all your endeavors
Love it, Lauren! As I read your post, I was reminded of a promise from Romans 11:29:
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
That goes for anyone who has messed up during the journey. It encourages me to know that God sees us as a finished product, with all that He has planned for us. Is that exciting? He is so good!
Loved this! So inspiring and such a great reminder! Love your new site too, girl 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Kelly!
Lol, Lauren…I’ve come so close to telling my readers in my book reviews that I love the smell, feel and look of a brand new book, but I thought I may just be the only one (especially the smell part, ha). I just love the story of Mary Ann. How inspiring! And this verse…”Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn’t wasted. {1 Corinthians 15:58}” What an encouragement to know that our work, although hard at times, is never wasted. This really blessed me today!
Hope,hope, HOPE! Amen, Lauren! Whew! I honestly write myself off sometimes at age 47. I know it’s not truth, but in those tough moments, I let the enemy whisper …”it is too late.” Thanks, friend, for the encouragement! Love it and can’t wait to hold your book with the crisp fresh pages in my hands someday!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lauren, this was such an encouragement to me today. I have dreams of releasing a book and I have allowed bad time management and lazy days get in the way. Thank you for sharing this. Dreams do come when we step out and trust God. It may not be on our timing, it may take 72 years, but God is faithful. Loved this!
It’s very encouraging that her book wasn’t published until she was 72. I have hope. 🙂 Thank you for linking up with LMM.