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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Patience (08/21/08)
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 37:7 NIV.

Why is it that I always wake up facing the opposite direction to where the alarm clock is and then have to blindly find the off switch? Sighing deeply, I laid my head back and watched the ceiling fan rotate slowly overhead.

Well Lord, today’s the day. I’ve been waiting two and a half years for this day. Your words are still implanted deep in my heart and printed in my mind. I still wonder at times why you chose me, the least of people I would have chosen. Perhaps I’ll never know or be ready for something like this. It’s not my will but yours. This is your day, your plan. Let it be as you will.

The door bell rang a minute after nine. “Delivery, for A. Writer”

I took a deep breath and for a moment I squeezed my eyes shut tight. Thank you, Lord.

Lifting one of the books from the box, I smelled the cover and breathed in its newness and traced the title with my finger. “My first novel. Thank you, Lord.”

As a writer, I find patience the least of my virtues. I struggle with the rules of writing and the details of grammar and I thank the Lord every day for good editors. Expressions of my emotions take over the reality of what is needed for a good read. I thank God for His patience and His divine intervention when I write to His will.

Wait in hope, perseverance, patience and joy. God will sustain me—His grace is sufficient me. He is all I need.
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This article has been read 1028 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Melanie Kerr 
08/28/08
I would very much like to wake up with a prayer on my lips - and a first published book delivered by the postman! I loved the contrast between your own lack of patience and the truth that God is always patient.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/28/08
The two verses you "sandwiched" your story between were excellent choices. I'd love to wake up to receiving a novel, written by "this writer." I could feel your patience and humility through your writing.
Jan Ackerson
08/29/08
That would be a wonderful feeling!

Watch out for cliches and "Christian-ese"--look for fresh ways to express ideas...and I believe you're missing a word in your next-to-last sentence.

I can't think of a nicer delivery!
James Dixon
08/29/08
We all like to dream. This is a writer's own fantasy, which is fine for the typical writers challenge audience but may not touch non-writers in the same way.

If only the first novel was the end of the road. Then I might arrive one day.
Chely Roach
08/31/08
And what a wonderful day that is going to be...I am so happy you won't have to wait much longer! HUGS!
Pamela Kliewer 
08/31/08
Ah, yes... it certainly is my dream. Well done.
Patricia Turner 
09/01/08
Hey Chrissy, congratulations! Guess that's why you wrote this nice little piece. I like how you put your thoughts of humility into the story. A perfect title!
Leah Nichols 
09/02/08
A great concept, though I agree with you - a bit short. It doesn't really draw the reader into the moments where you're waiting. Maybe add in the days before while you're waiting, and the disappointment when the postman doesn't deliver day after day, or even the waiting to hear from the publisher. That would make this day a much more exciting moment for the reader as well. :)
Lynda Schultz 
09/02/08
Great message here. It may be short, but you said all that was needed. Well done.
Joshua Janoski
09/02/08
Just the thought of having my own published novel in my hand seems like it's going to be light years away, but I am so happy to hear that it is becoming a reality for you. How exciting!
Lynda Lee Schab 
09/03/08
Short, concise, and to the point. And a good reminder to all of us "not so patient" writers. :-)
Edmond Ng
09/04/08
You have expressed the feelings of a writer's accomplishment very well, of joy, fulfillment and thankfulness all mixed together in seeing his or her first published book. Writing is certainly a job requiring perseverance and patience, always forward looking with hope, and with completion, joy beyond words bundled with satisfaction.
Catrina Bradley
09/04/08
How perfect for "Patience", and how timely your own delivery. I enjoyed the emotions you portrayed in your MC - very nice! (And congrats!!!!!) :) Cat