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 the first time someone—like a real publisher even—had 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 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 he wants me to be.
I think it’s going to be a very interesting journey.
How have you experienced God when life interrupts you?
Henry,
Congratulations on the book contract! I’m sorry to hear about the hospital stay and health issues you continue to face. I pray for your comfort and healing.
I have chronic illnesses (allergies and an autoimmune condition), so health issues has interrupted my life plans a number of times. Each time, I find that I learn more about God and develop a deeper relationship with Him. Through these life interruptions, I’ve also found that God nudges me a little closer to all He has for me. He straightens my path even through the interruptions that seem to momentarily take me off course.
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Michelle.