by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas
Someone once said, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”
I’ve experienced that sensation recently. There I was, considering a contract for one of my novels. I’ve won contests. I’ve self-published. But for only the second time someone—like a real publisher even—formally offered me a contract for one of my books. I enjoyed and savored the experience. Somebody besides me thought one of my stories was worth publishing. Wow!!
I reviewed and studied the contract, consulted with friends and others about the wording and the requirements.
And I prayed. I wanted to do what God wanted. Not what my ego or pride wanted.
While I was waiting for direction, life interrupted…
A health crisis landed me in the hospital for eight days. Eight days of probing and tests and procedures. Not to mention having blood samples taken every four hours. Around the clock. For eight days. A hospital is not a good place to rest.
In the middle of this, my cardiologist of almost twenty years discovered a new heart murmur. More tests. Followed by even more diagnostic tests after I left the hospital. A valve is not working properly. And two arteries are blocked. My doctor is consulting with others to come up with a plan for me.
But the journey continues. I signed the book contract. I had the peace of God about it. I saw it as a calm like how the sun feels after a rain. Warm peace and tranquility. The sense of doing the right thing and pleasing God. I could almost see his smile and nod, a gentle thumbs up.
The contract gives me something to concentrate on, something to balance dealing with the health issues. Now my writing focus is to get the manuscript ready. One more read through as I bring it into compliance with the publisher’s style guidelines.
And through it all and facing what lies ahead, my sense of God’s presence is renewed. He draws me closer and shows more of who he is each day. I’m not where I want to be. But, by God’s grace and mercy, I’m not where I was and I’m on my way to where God’s destiny awaits.
I think it’s going to be a very interesting journey.
How have you experienced God when life interrupts you?
TWEETABLE
Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers.
Good article, Henry. Prayers and congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martin
DeleteGreat message, Henry. I find that those interruptions often end up as stories in my writing or speaking. I hope and pray your writing journey continues and your health is restored.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Crystal. When I can calm look back on the interruptions, my m ind starts thinking, "How can I get this in a book?"
DeleteThank you for the reminder that this journey along the writing road is always, always a faith walk. And yes, always an interesting one. May God's presence continue to be strong with you, Henry. And congratulations on signing on the contract.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth
DeleteCovered in prayer Mr. Henry. The Cross-Dubya is needed for when you've recuperated and need to "hibernate" for a few days to catch up on manuscript changes, etc. Writing through life's interruptions is what helps us to become better writers, I think. It adds depth to our character. It adds richness to our journey.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.D. It's good to hear from you. And I agree the interruptions can be used by God to shape our character. Blessings.
DeleteHenry, thanks again for the wonderful workshop and encouragement at BRMCWC... praying for a full recovery and a great book to fulfill your contract!
ReplyDelete