My biggest concern growing up was regret. I didn’t want to live with it, turn 40 and look back at my life regretting all the woulda, shoulda, couldas.

Leading worship at ACFW

But how can one avoid regret? How does one orchestrate a life that knows every right turn to take?

Which job to take? Which career to “go” for if doors are closed? Which lover to marry? How many children and when? Where to live?

So my deal was simple. “Lord, I’ll pursue You, You handle the rest.”

Cop-out. You bet. Best thing ever! I copped-out my life to Him. And He’s done a splendid job with my weak, broken self.

I remember the first time I felt like, “Wow, my life is on the right track. I’m exactly where I thought I’d be at this time in my life.”

I was 27, working in the corp world, traveling, and on this particular day, walking into my hotel on Long Island after a day of training at a local newspaper. I caught my reflection and knew, “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

With the Belles!

Was it easy? No. In fact, those were some hard days for me. But oh, such grace in the midst!

The second time was when my husband proposed. I felt like I was running on the right track. At 31 a shift occurred in my spirit, settling me all the more.

Then, I started writing. I told my husband, “All the longing to be someone, to achieve something, the residue of youthful angst is gone. I feel deeply satisfied.”

One a recent plane flight, I pulled out The Wedding Dress from my carry on. (I pack one with me to give away along the journey.) I stared at my name on the cover and teared up. Wow! I get a book with my name on it. Amazing! I can’t believe it.

Dreams really do come true!

JOY!

I have little to no regrets. By the grace of God, I said “Here, have it all.”

He said, “Okay and here, you have it all!”

Now I get to do fun things like lead worship or teach workshops at writers conferences. I get to hang out with people like Lisa Wingate, Marybeth Whalen, Beth Webb Hart and Shellie Rushing Tomlinson! 

God is so cool! 

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Rachel Hauck is currently working on her seventeenth novel. A somewhat autobiographical piece about an American girl who becomes a princess. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com.