October 02, 2012

Flipping the Perspective Coin - M. Laycock


This is the season of golden light in Alberta. This fall has been glorious with temperatures remaining in the mid twenties, Celsius, for some time. It's the kind of weather that makes me want to go horseback riding, a hobby I have loved since a young child. Unfortunately my riding days are over due to a leg injury that happened when I fell while rock climbing on the cliffs of Lake Superior's north shore. The injury has finally caught up with me and keeps me from doing some things I have enjoyed in the past. It's a loss I feel deeply at times, but then, the doctors once warned me I might be in a wheelchair by now, so I'm counting my blessings.

It seems there are always two sides to the perspective coin. You can either look at all the frustrations and barriers that will continue to arise in your life and in your career, or you can focus on the obstacles that have already been surmounted and the answers to prayer that helped you leap over them.

There are times when I get frustrated with the barriers in my life and writing career, but then I remember …

My second novel, A Tumbled Stone, was published because of the generosity of a friend and the answer to the prayers of many more.

I’d prayed about the money needed to submit to A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider and three speaking engagements popped up, giving me enough to submit and purchase a few copies. God supplied what I needed just in time.

A spontaneous decision to submit a YA manuscript to Steve Laube at Write Canada led me to ask for prayer and that led to an encouraging interview and his request for the full manuscript. Once again, prayer opened doors.

Recently I prayed that God would begin to open up speaking engagements for me. After being out of the loop for over a year due to a battle with cancer, I was a bit worried that it would take a while to build up that part of my ministry again. Then I was asked to speak at a Spring Tea; another woman called to ask if I would speak at a few Christian Women's clubs in Central Alberta and another invited me to speak at a retreat in Saskatchewan. I'm now in the place of having to pick and choose which engagements to accept. God answers. God provides.

Sometimes the perspective coin lands on the wrong side and when it does I am blocked by the burdens of frustration and disappointment. It's at those times that I have to make the choice to flip the coin over. Counting the blessings releases the joy of contentment and renewed enthusiasm.

So go ahead, flip that coin.

****

Marcia's devotional ebook for writers of faith, Abundant Rain, is now available on Amazon. Visit her website for more information on her speaking and writing ministries




6 comments:

  1. Marcia,
    What an encouraging post. Yes - counting blessings means we have to LOOK and when we look we see all that God is doing.
    Praising Him and thanking Him for giving you all those opportunities to speak about your love for Him and encouraging others to seek Him.
    Blessings,
    Jan

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  2. I love this Marcia. It is so important to keep things in perspective. The old saying 'when God closes a door He sometimes opens a window' seems to fit - and flying can be so much more fun that walking!

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  3. Thanks, Marcia. Life hands us many unwanted circumstances. However, we find true joy when we choose to rejoice - always.

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  4. Thanks for the comments, everyone. Glad it was an encouragement to you.
    :)Marcia

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  5. It's true that we need to intentionally flip that coin, and really make a point of seeing how God has brought us through!

    Pam M.

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  6. I appreciate your positive response to the setbacks of life.
    Glad your ministry is continuing despite them.
    God is good!

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