Well, this weekend was definitely not what I had in mind. Moments after Spencer and I were taking in the amazing views of the Pacific from the top of the Santa Barbara Courthouse, I slipped on a wet stair and landed entirely on my left arm. Ouch! We spent the rest of the afternoon in the ER getting my arm reset (I will spare you the visual aid of a picture) and I am now propped up on half a dozen pillows watching You've Got Mail and waiting to see the orthopedist. I am pretty impressed with myself for getting my contacts in with two fingers of one hand, but it's going to be a long recovery. I am out of work, not able to be a barista or a server, which means we get to see God provide in amazing ways. He already has. We are being showered with food from our "tiny but mighty" church family. I am writing down the myriad ways God has blessed us, and totally excited to see what happens next. I am hoping for something related to Spencer's music.
It is times like these that make us plunge headfirst into the deep end of trusting God- last week I found out I did not get a further interview for a job I had been applying to. I really wanted that opportunity, and it still makes my heart sink when I think of it. The next night, we got a flat tire and discovered both rear tires needed replacing. Then Saturday and the great arm debacle. I can only imagine the bills and time required to heal. Yet for all that, I feel optimistic. I think I really needed a break from life, so God gave me one, literally.
"You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life. Oh, I know it doesn't feel like that- you feel like a big fat failure now. But you're not. You are marching into the unknown, armed with ... nothing. Have a sandwich."
Maybe that's why I can watch this movie over and over; the common theme of characters reaching a turning point in their lives and going a different route resonates deeply with me. Bruce Almighty, It's A Wonderful Life, The Family Man... all movies where the protagonist takes a good long look at themselves before they can move forward.
I am really looking forward to the time off. No social engagements, no work, just loads of time. I have lots of reading to do. And writing- perhaps now my children's book will crawl out of my head where it is warm and snug, and onto paper. Lots of prayer and meditation. I have been intentionally slowing my life down this year; perhaps now I have arrived at zen master base camp.
I promised you a giveaway on Friday and I have not forgotten. Here's your assignment, should you choose to accept it:
Write two paragraphs about your favourite Thanksgiving Day food, using no adjectives. This is not just a description, but details about different ways you've made the dish, where you've eaten it, or who joined you at the table. at first the writing will look stark and spare. Now go back and add specific adjectives to make the story sparkle. Limit yourself to three.
The winner will receive this:
A beautiful glass tea infuser from Tazo!
All entries must be submitted by next tuesday, november 3oth!
Please email submissions to tara(at)spencerwsmith.com. Entries will be judged anonymously by Spencer. Runner up prize: You can earn an entry by blogging, facebooking or tweeting this post, or following the blog. Runner up will receive a box of Tazo tea.
good luck and happy thanksgiving week!
No comments:
Post a Comment