Monday, May 2, 2011

Lost A Limb

Since I would be gone two days at a book selling convention, I thought, "Why not work on writing while I sit at the table?" So I slid several folders of working book ideas, PLUS my big fat folder of random collected story ideas in a canvas bag and left home with high hopes.
I returned without the bag.
I searched everywhere.
I called everywhere.
No bag.
It took me years to write and file those story ideas. I felt like I'd lost a limb. Yeah, it hurt that bad.
But then... oh joy! It struck me that Father in Heaven loves me more than I love my own boys... that is SCARY MUCH! So much, it could smother a person. With that much love, Father in Heaven would never hurt me, only help. So what if all those story ideas were, dare I say, junk? He obviously has better ideas to shower down on my brain?
Ah.
That's better.
I'm open for new ideas, and they're a comin'. I've actually started two new folders to hold them all.
How have you dealt with a numbing blow to your life?

9 comments:

Randi said...

Oh, Shirley, I am so sorry. I can only imagine the sense of loss you must feel. I don't have any bright ideas on how to deal with a numbing blow, but I do have ideas on how to deal with lost items. Because Heavenly Father does love us scary much, and because He knows where your lost bag is, I would just ask Him. It works for me when I lose things. I just say, "I don't know where "X item" is, but I know You do. Would You please lead me in the right direction or inspire whoever finds it, to return it?" Having said that, I know that you will never be at a loss for good ideas!

Shirley Bahlmann said...

Thanks for the sympathy, Randi. I can tell you're a writer because you didn't make a funny! You understand the pain!
I do have a prayer in my pocket that some day it may turn up. But until then... it's onward, with pen/sword at the ready!

Getting Better Everyday said...

Wow - What a wonderful attitude you have. I'd be crying long before I realized the silver lining.

Wishing you many, many wonderful story ideas to come.

Best,

Jennifer Hurst

Shirley Bahlmann said...

Thanks, Jennifer. I've lived long enough to realize that feeling sick at heart for longer than a day doesn't do anything but give you heartburn! AND I firmly believe that everything you ever had in your brain is still there! You just have to poke around long enough open the right file drawers!
I appreciate your kind wishes.

Anonymous said...

Shirley, thanks for posting this story. It inspires me every time I read it, and it makes me feel hopeful about the future.

Shirley Bahlmann said...

Well, I'm glad that some good came of it. We're all pulling together in this life, so I'm happy to share whatever may help.

Rachelle Christensen said...

That would be a killer--but I love your attitude. What a great example you are!! Good luck with your new ideas.

Randy said...

At first, I thought "Ouch, that would be an incredibly debilitating blow for me." However, the reality of it is that the last time I went through my list of ideas so that I could pitch them to an editor, I remember being rather disappointed with them. I ended up coming up with six new ones that the editor (and my wife) wanted me to immediately to start writing.

Shirley Bahlmann said...

Now that is an encouraging story! Even though your ideas weren't lost, they weren't the best! Thanks for sharing that boost.