Ten Dollars and a Dream
A humble first payment check led to bigger-and-better writing accomplishments
by Jack Cunningham
“For who hath despised the day of small things?...” (Zechariah 4:10)
Ten dollars? I stared again at my paycheck, my heart thump-thumping. I’d just received it in the mail—a ten-dollar check for a small devotional I’d sold to The Upper Room in the mid- 1980s. Oh, how my heart danced and whirled. My first check for my first article, sent out with little hope on my part for its acceptance. Yet, a few months after I submitted it, it was!
Why did I get so excited? It was only ten dollars, after all. No one understood my joy.
Most people shrugged. But how could they understand? I seldom mentioned my literary dream to friends, a dream I’d harbored since childhood. Even if I had mentioned it, I expect some folks would have still “ho-hummed.” How much could ten dollars buy? A hamburger, fries and a milkshake, perhaps? Certainly not a fancy house and car.
The Lord understood, though, for He planted this dream in my heart. This acceptance, my first serious submission, confirmed God’s will for me. I didn’t want a fancy house and car. I wanted bylines, my name in print beneath stories and books and articles, as many as the Lord allowed me to receive.
Bylines didn’t come easy, something I also discovered as I started studying the craft and submitting more work. One rejection after another filled my mailbox during my second year of writing. Yet that dream and ten-dollar confirmation fueled my determination.
My second byline appeared during my third literary year. From that time on, I experienced the joy of publication more often. For almost forty years now, I’ve followed my literary calling. My four-inch binder is packed with bylines of numerous articles I’ve sold over the decades. I’ve also contributed to traditionally published books, and I’ve published a few books myself. All this happened because of a ten-dollar check and a dream. I’m sure thankful I didn’t despise it.
So, follow Zechariah’s advice. Don’t despise small successes, small publications and small paychecks, because who knows? They may lead to bigger things.
Dear Lord, help me to be faithful to You and Your literary calling, and to follow that dream You’ve placed in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~~~
Jack Cunningham’s devotion is reprinted from the upcoming book, Day by Day: 40 Devotions for Writers & Creative Types (SCWC Books). Look for it soon on Amazon!
John “Jack” M. Cunningham, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a former history teacher. He specializes in historical fiction. He’s also been a contributing writer for two David C. Cook publications, The Quiet Hour and Devotions. He’s been writing professionally for over thirty years. His work has appeared in numerous denominational publications, and he taught a writing class while living in the New Orleans area. He’s written three novels and one men’s devotional book. He’s also contributed to a men’s devotional series published by Broadman & Holman. Visit his bookstore at his website, theauthorscove.com.