“When all the details fit perfectly, something is probably wrong with the story.”
Charles Baxter
Everything went right that year.
After writing thousands of words and submitting to dozens of publishers, I finally saw my stories in print.
The editor who mentored my work asked if I’d like to write a human interest column for her newspaper. Right up my alley. I also wrote for a glossy magazine about Upstate SC homes and their owners.
Our nearly hundred-year-old fixer-upper was featured in This Old House magazine. I wrote the story.
We sold that house the following month for four times what we paid.
My husband and I bought a downsized home of our dreams, 700 feet from the ocean, along the stretch of the Grand Strand called the Golden Mile.
Family was on track. Our son had a great-paying job, and our daughter and her boyfriend bought a house and began the remodel.
And I, well, I was miserable.
A turning point in my life. Whatever could go right, did. And still I was unhappy, scared, lost.
I found my answer at a book study. I don’t remember the title, only one sentence.
“If you’re unhappy, it may be because you’re still in pain.”
All the good life experiences couldn’t fix what was broken and hurting inside. That year brought me to my knees, where I belonged long before 2008.
Ever felt so low that getting on your knees was a step up?
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – Dear God, I’m not especially good at focusing on you even when I know no one and nothing else can heal the pain and fill my emptiness. Because you’re graceful anyway, you’re doing for me what I can’t do for myself, bringing me to the end of myself so I can live fully for you.
On the side: The oil painting is of our home that was featured in This Old House. It was painted by artist Ruth Cox.
This post was rewritten and featured by Jeff Goins on his site, Wrecked. Click here to read “The Perfect Year – Wrecked.”
My year was 2005 when God sent me a wake-up call via a stroke. It led me to the next season of my life; a small ministry reaching out to other women who were trying to be everything to everyone. I learned God valued my presence more than my productity. Amazing what He can do in our lives when we get out of His way!
I wonder if we would have met without our 2005, 2008 experiences? Do you ever do that, wonder how different life would be without those life-changing weeks and months? He is amazing in HIs ways!
Looks like I should have been reading this last week instead of focusing on my bad misfortune! Great post!
I don\’t think a blog post would have helped – that was a LOT to deal with last week … especially in a 24-hour period. Sometimes meltdowns are necessary.