Monday, July 15, 2013

Bumps in the Road


Photo Credit:  Mzacha




When we travel, many things have to be factored into our plans. How long will we be away? What days will we be traveling? We check weather forecasts, so we'll be better prepared for road conditions and pack the right clothes.

Unfortunately, our plans don't always work out. We decided to leave at 7:00 P.M. to avoid the rush hour at both the beginning and end of our journey. Well, we escaped the rush hour, but ran smack-dab into...THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Yes, folks, it's a sad tale. Our trip went from 3 1/2 stress-free hours to a 5-hour marathon.

The writing life is often likened to a journey. We can plan and make goals, but things can happen to derail them. How we respond to these challenges determines whether they'll become steppingstones to success or be our downfall.

After praying for safety, we stayed alert and rode out the challenges. As we hit bumps in the writing road, we can give up or make adjustments.

Setbacks are permanent only if we allow them to stop our forward movement.

Writers: How do you handle the disappointments of the writing life?

Readers: How do keep life's bumps from ruining your day?

8 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I just try to keep going. Hate construction zones!! I'm glad you all made it safely through. :-)

Amber Schamel said...

Haha, great post, Susan. We're on a road trip right now, and there's lots of construction thru KS. :)

I think a big part of dealing with disappointment is just realizing that they are a part of life. Just keep going. You're going be be disappointed, but that's only a part of Success.

Almost every day is going to hold a disappointment of some kind. If we get depressed every time we don't get what we want, we'll spend our whole lives depressed.

quietspirit said...

I sometimes have to think 'on my feet' when I am writing. Also,when working with the drama ministry. (Long story.) I am getting better at this in writing and in dealing with computer issues.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess - Me too!

Hi Amber - Safe travels. :) I pray about disappointments and move on.

Hi Quiet Spirit - I make sure I have back-ups of my work. Also, two friends help me with computer issues.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

I like that quote, Susan. I think that's key. That and knowing that if this is what God's called us to do, He will guide our steps.

I find great comfort in that.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Yes, knowing God's called me to write keeps me on the path. Otherwise, it would be too easy to quit when things get bumpy.

Blessings,
Susan :)

JD said...

Hi, Susan:

My family and I once set out on a four-hour trip, then hit a construction zone that turned our already-long-enough trip into an eight-hour adventure. Thank goodness everyone in the car got along well! Imagine being stuck in a car for eight hours with someone you disliked. Lol.

I think walking away from our writing for a while helps to recharge the battery. Plus having faith in ourselves, which can sometimes be a difficult thing.

Enjoy your weekend!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette -

Oh, that wouldn't be fun at all! I'm thankful my traveling companion (Mom) and I get along well. :)

Blessings,
Susan