Do you ever get the feeling you’re standing in the center of one of those bumper-car rides at a carnival, periodically blind-sided by a racing car? Maybe knocked down–or even run over??
Of course I’m referring to problems–the kinds of things that seem to come out of nowhere and upset whatever apple cart we’ve been filling up with dreams and blessings.
I know I’ve felt like that. But here’s a little insight I’ve learned along the way. We are NOT at the mercy of runaway bumper cars, no matter how it may seem. There’s a control room–our innermost thoughts and beliefs–and although we’re not always awake at the switch, Someone Else is. It’s called Grace.
When I get a lot of bumper cars crashing into me, it’s always a sure sign that I need to 1) Stop, 2) Pray, 3) Expect an answer and proceed as though I’ve already gotten it. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve EVER heard is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail.
Of course, some bumper cars are unavoidable. They’re the ones that are a vital part of your journey–into each life some rain must fall. (Or that life would dry up and die.) In this case, I ask for insight, for strength, for stronger faith, for the ability to keep going and keep believing.
I’ve never seen this fail. Give it a try.
As you know from yesterday’s blog, I’m headed for Fire Central today–San Diego. I’ll blog if I can. If I don’t, you can expect a full description on Monday.
Or Tuesday. 🙂 (One of my own bumper cars, you see, is a tendency to procrastinate.)
Over the coming weekend, I expect to: have a wonderful time with my beautiful and talented daughter, reconnect with old friends and make some new ones, encourage discouraged writers, and learn A LOT in the process. There are some big names attending the LaJolla Writers Conference–Steven J. Cannell, David Morrell, and my friends Lisa Jackson and Natalie Bush. When I get home, I’ll be a better person and a better writer.
Whoop-de-do!!!
This is going to be FUN!