In a movie we watched last night, a character said, "People don't like to admit how large a part luck plays in their lives."
I agree that our brains and hard work do not determine nearly as much as we'd like to think they do. In fact, because of the odds of getting a first novel published and actually earning something from it are so much against me, I'd give up on my novel writing if perspiration, intelligence and imagination were the main factors.
A friend, a new Christian, asked me today if I believed in angels. I do. She asked their purpose - to serve as messengers of God and carry out what he wants. Knowing angels exist gives me hope and peace in the midst of nervous-making situations like trying to complete or novel, or having a 17-year old daughter with a driver's license.
Today I didn't see or sense angels, but I did note some serendipitous circumstances. Perhaps an angel nudged me, opened my eyes to notice what would have stayed unseen.
I was on my way to Starbucks, but I looked within a store window--a charming tea shop, replete with tea pots and tea cups, the white with floral print ones. Inside a huge array of teas, including marvelous fruit-flavored tisanes and other no-caffeine teas, enticed me. I set up my lap-top and churned out another scene in my novel.
A woman took a seat behind me. We chatted a bit and soon found how much we have in common. We both write poetry and when she heard about my novel, she said she'd love to read it when it comes out.
I overheard conversation from a group of three women three tables over. On the way out, I paused. "I overheard some talk that gave me the idea that one of you has been to Japan recently."
I was right and they were excited to her a few of my Japan stores. All three of those artists also wanted my contact information and eager to read my novel. Did an angel draw me and these three enthusiasts together in that shop?
A few days ago the daunting task of completing my novel made me wonder if I'd gotten these all wrong and if I'd ever finish. I asked God for some signs that I should persevere in this difficult road of completing my novel.
Today I got them.
