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| Winnie Griggs |
Are dreams or goals for your writing career not going
according to plan? Maybe your life in general isn’t unfolding the way you
envisioned. Does the lack of seeing things coming together make you feel
frustrated or anxious? If so, you’ll find encouragement in the experiences shared
by author Winnie Griggs.
Enjoy~ Dawn
God’s
Plan
When Dawn asked me to pen an inspirational post, I had
trouble figuring out what to write about. What could I offer in the way of
inspiration? What I finally settled on was to tell you about two incidents in
my life that illustrate how God works in our lives—even when we can’t see it at
the time.
The first story comes from my senior year in high school.
When I took the ACT test there was a place on the form to list three colleges I
was interested in. I’d already picked out two colleges that were close to home
and where many of my friends were going. But the compulsive direction-follower
in me couldn’t leave a line blank, so, remembering a classmate had made
reference to a more distant state college, I wrote it in as my third choice,
then didn’t give it another thought. So I was flabbergasted when I received an
offer from them for what amounted to a full ride scholarship. My excitement
over that offer was diluted by an accompanying terror. I didn't WANT to go to
school so far from home. But, as the oldest of four children, in a blue collar
family, I couldn't turn it down. So, to my dismay, I ended up in a college 300
miles away where I knew no one, not even my roommate.
My life was changed in so many ways by this—I was forced to
stretch and grow in ways I wouldn't have if I'd settled into a more familiar
environment. And during my first semester I met the wonderful man who would
eventually become my husband. We have gone on to raise four amazing children
and are still enjoying our happily ever after. So, because of what seemed a
trivial, inconsequential act, my whole life was profoundly and fundamentally
changed.
Of course, there are also major life decisions I’ve faced
that I did recognize as such when I reached them. I faced these with prayer and
careful thought as to consequences. Still, the choices made at those times
sometimes took me in directions I never imagined.
My second story illustrates that point. All my life I've
enjoyed writing, but I never looked on it as a viable career choice. It was
something I did for my own enjoyment, much as others might enjoy sports or
gardening or music.
My career goals were focused in a different direction. After
college I went to work in the computer programming field. It was a job I loved
and I will modestly admit to being good at it. And my efforts were recognized.
I steadily worked my way up through the ranks into a management position.
Then, in the early nineties, as happened with much of
corporate America, there were rumblings of downsizing. I spent hours agonizing
over whether I’d relocate if offered the opportunity. I knew refusing would
limit my career opportunities, could even force me to take a step backwards. I weighed the pros and cons, prayed over it,
discussed it with family and friends, and ultimately decided not to put myself
and my family through the upheaval of chasing-the-job moves. Ultimately our
company went through four major reorganizations, including a buyout, and each
time more and more management functions moved from the location where I work to
corporate offices in other cities. Through it all, I held to my decision,
turning down choice promotional offers in the process. And it affected my
career just as I’d known it would, but I remained at peace with that.
But that's not the point of this story.
You see, that decision also had far-reaching, totally
unexpected ramifications. Because of the work I was assigned in my new
positions, I began taking quite a few business trips. This left me with lots of
airport and hotel time on my hands. I decided to use this time to rediscover
the joy I’d taken in writing before I got busy with family and career. I also decided to attempt a novel length
manuscript. Two years later, I had a complete manuscript, had joined a local
writers organization where I discovered a group of amazing women who have
become lifelong friends, and had found a deeply satisfying, creative outlet
that continues to bring me joy.
In a very real way, you see, my decision to not chase career
advancement at my 'day job' led to the writing career I have today.
So, what’s the message I want to leave with you? I suppose
it’s that no matter how well you think you have your life planned out, God has
a plan of his own. Don’t focus on the
disappointments—they often lead to something even bigger and better.
What happens when a
straight-laced young widow’s home is invaded by ten rambunctious orphans and
their handsome caretaker just in time for the holidays...
Reserved
widow Eileen Pierce never considered herself the kind of woman who was cut out
to be a mother. She wouldn't know what to do with one child, much less ten. But
when handyman Simon Tucker is stranded in town with a group of young orphans
just before Thanksgiving, she discovers she can't just turn them away.
Simon
knows there's more to Eileen than meets the eye. Though his easygoing demeanor
immediately clashes with her buttoned-up propriety, Simon's kindness soon melts
Eileen's stern facade. Simon and the children have already upended Eileen's
quiet, orderly life. Will they do the same to her guarded heart?
Winnie Griggs is
the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on
Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace.
She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced
degree in the art of procrastination. Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated
for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations
resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author
or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com
