Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Dreams and Wishes: A True Story

When a friend gave me a stunning lavender-hued African violet, I thanked her warmly, but didn’t give much thought to the name of the plant: Dreams and Wishes. Until yesterday.


I received an email from my agent re: a pass from an editor on my newest project. It went something like this:

“Dear Jeanette: Mr. Boo-Boo from So-and-So Publishing Co. likes your writing, and the idea for your new book, but he is passing due to your lack of a large platform. I’m so sorry. It’s really tough right now for new authors, but we’ll keep trying.”

Although I’m getting used to this kind of letter after many such passes in the last year, it still stings when someone returns my proposal due to my lack of platform. I’m not a lousy writer—I’m just not famous enough.

I stewed and gritched all day about that email, vacillating between concocting ways to increase my platform (embezzle tons of money, go to prison, then write a book about a preacher’s wife gone bad?), and giving up on trying to get published altogether.

Then I spied the African violet in the window of our dining room.

I had moved the plant several months ago when it looked like it might be dying. Perhaps this western exposure will give it more direct sunlight, I thought. As I reached to pull the curtains down at dusk, I spotted it: a tiny lavender bloom. The first bloom in months. My Dreams and Wishes had come back to life. All it needed was a change of location, and a little time.

Okay, God, I get it. Don’t give up on my dreams and wishes, just because one editor doesn’t think I have the right exposure. I will keep writing for You, my audience of ONE, and wait a little longer. Eventually, I’ll see a bloom.


And you, my friend? What are your dreams and wishes,
that the Lord would have you hold onto just a wee bit longer?
Don’t give up just yet. Your blooming days may be just around the next sunset.

11 comments:

  1. Poor Mr. Boo Boo. He's missing out, isn't he? You and I know God has just the right home for your MS. You just haven't found it yet. ;) I love your outlook on life. Dreaming dreams brings hope for the future!

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  2. I can imagine your ache when this happened:( But I love your spirit and knowledge that God knows when. I'm kind of at that point now, just taking my time and not thinking so much of the end result but my process and waiting on Him to shape it.
    He's in control of all the factors we need to make our dreams come true. I'm still learning to lean into that trust:)

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  3. You are a stunner as is. I love that God feels that way about us RIGHT NOW.

    I want an agent.
    ~ Wendy

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  4. Jeanette, Commiserating (love that word, but not sure of spelling :-)
    with you on the note, but I,too, believe God has a plan for your writing. And you are continuing to bless others with posts like this one. Great analogy and well-written.Thanks Clella

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  5. I echo the others who commented earlier. I also have felt the sting of rejection but not to this extent. God knows your heart and will take care of this 'platform' problem.

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  6. I love this, J. What a great word of encouragement today. Thank you!

    I know your 'plant' is going to bloom one of these times.

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  7. You keep going, girl. I am so blessed to know you.

    Your writing rocks...as does your godly heart.

    Patti

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  8. You are such an encouragement. I heard violets like the east sun.


    You'll be bloomin before you know it! :O)

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  9. Hi Jen -

    Little does he know how many lives you've touched - including mine. :)

    I'm looking for an agent.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. So sorry about your agent's e-mail. It seems a writer's life has a lot of rejections, and yet it never gets easier to receive them. But one day there will be *the* e-mail that you've been waiting for. The violet will bloom in all it's glory. All in God's good time.

    "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer." [John 16:33]

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  11. Thanks, you guys, for all your encouragement. You always make my day! No wonder I love you.

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