Being prideful is a vice and a sin that I am quite skilled at and highly aware of. In my younger years, I could often be heard saying, “Darn, I’m good” over some success. As we grew up, my sisters were often less than thrilled with my cocky attitude and know-it-all demeanor. They, I am sure, are not the only ones who ‘had it up to here’ with my pride. God has spent lots of effort to teach me humility. Most of those lessons were not fun. Many of those training sessions went unheeded and had to be repeated. Repeatedly.
I still have the tendency toward ego and pride issues, but I have also come to realize that my gifts, both tangible and intangible, come from God. I have finally come to a place in my life that I truly know that who I am, what I am, and what I have are blessings given to me and that my job is to make the very most of them for His glory. Nearly every time I sit down to write, I pray that God is glorified by the words I set onto the page.
So, here’s an interesting dilemma: Peaks and Valleys, my second novel, has just been named the Fiction Book of the Year by the Wyoming State Historical Society. I’m pretty darned jazzed. I’m certainly proud. Oh Lord! Did I just say that? Now it’s time to analyze my feelings. I want to feel the joy of a job well done, and I do. I think that’s probably okay. I am excited about the attention the award will bring to Peaks and Valleys – because it is a story of God’s forgiveness and redemption. But more than anything, I want God to be glorified. So, help me with this by helping me pray, thanking God for His wisdom, love and salvation. Then help me celebrate this prestigious award because ‘Darn, He’s good’.
2 Responses to Peaks and Valleys wins Book of the Year Award