When I was teaching little children how to read, I was always looking for their “next step.” It was my job to determine what they could already do independently and where they needed support and then I’d help them to take that next step. Soon that, too, became part of the reading tasks they could do independently. Well, now I’m applying that strategy to my own bad self. In the last month I did my first radio interview, helped put on my first writing conference (just a little part of it), had my first piece in a published anthology and now I’m looking forward to my first book reading and signing event. True, it’s not my book alone, but it’s still a first for me. I’m learning that all I really need to do is keep my eyes and ears open for my next step. I don’t have to write my own novel tomorrow, but I do need to see my next opportunity–just that one next step– and act on it. Because I believe that my work in India and my writing are the two “good works” given me to do in my retirement years, I trust God to show me just enough to keep me going and not to overwhelm me. He’s good at that. Just a few days ago I got the encouragement and the little nudge to pursue a big project that’s been occupying space on my desk. That heap of notes and ideas and stories may get some attention soon. It’s a few steps down the line, but I see it in my writing future. Very exciting stuff, this writing