A couple of weeks ago we traveled to Chicago for a gymnastics meet. This meet was a little different than usual because there were two levels of gymnasts competing at the same time. On one side of the gym we had the beginners, the level threes. On the other side were level tens, the most advanced gymnasts.

As always, I loved watching Madison compete. But as the day continued, I found myself gazing toward the other side of the gym. I couldn’t help it. Those level tens were impressive. They flipped, twisted and twirled. They soared through the air. Every move demonstrated power, flexibility and grace.

As I compared both sides of the gym, a thought occurred to me. Every one of those level ten gymnasts was once a beginner. I couldn’t imagine how many hours they’d worked at their sport. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy. Certainly there were times they’d wanted to quit.

Curt leaned over and interrupted my thoughts.

“Look at Maddie.”

I glanced toward the middle of the gym where Madison’s small group waited their turn on the beam. Madison sat motionless, completely captivated. Must be inspiring to watch someone excel at something you’d like to achieve, I thought.

But kids aren’t the only ones that need inspiration. I mean, don’t we all need someone to look up to?

Take writing for example. I marvel at how my favorite authors can string words together and create beautiful, captivating stories. I especially love to hear how they began their career.

A couple of years ago I had the privilege of meeting bestselling author, Debbie Macomber during the Guideposts Writers Workshop. (Great lady, by the way. Very down-to-earth.) One evening Debbie shared some of the obstacles she has faced in her writing journey.  

First of all, she has dyslexia. As a child, she struggled in school and didn’t even learn to read until the fifth grade. But Debbie loved telling stories and dreamed of becoming a writer. At age 30, Debbie wrote her first manuscript while at home with four small children. Money was tight, so she rented a typewriter. 

For five years she submitted her work, but received only rejections. Finally, she saved enough money to attend a writers’ conference. During the conference, one of her manuscripts was selected for critique by an editor from Harlequin. But the editor picked it apart and recommended she throw it away.

Well, Debbie didn’t throw it away. Instead she mailed it to one of Harlequin’s rival publishers. They bought it – and it became her first novel. Today she is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 100 novels.

During our time with Debbie, she gave us a tour of her offices. As we headed upstairs to her personal office, she stopped and pointed out a number of framed photos and quotes which hung on the wall – all people who have inspired her.

So, how about that? Even Debbie Macomber – one of today’s most popular authors –surrounds herself with people that inspire her!

You may not care to be a writer. Or a gymnast. But whatever your hopes and dreams, don’t give up. Keep working toward your goals – and keep looking to those who inspire you.