Happy Monday! Or is it? Because this weekend, a couple contests came out with finalists.

Writing contests.

I wasn’t on one of the lists.

And maybe you weren’t either (although, there were many MBT authors who were! Congratulations).

But what do you do with disappointment?

Let’s face it, we all feel…well, jealousy, sometimes. Feel like, why not me?

We work hard. We feel like we sort of, well, deserve that thing we’ve been reaching for.

I get it. So I have some thoughts.

First, I always have to come back to the fact that God has put me on this writing journey for my benefit in my walk with HIM, (and others, and myself, but primarily, because He longs for that closeness with me.) So, frankly if I’m in poverty of spirit, and I turn to Him, then I’m rich. I’m overflowing with abundance. I’m a winner.

Then, I have to remember that comparing will strangle my creativity, my hope and my vision. I’m on my own unique journey, and God does not love me less because I don’t have what my fellow writer has. God’s love is not measured in rewards. It’s, in fact, un-measurable. It’s a constant. He is Good. He is Sovereign. And it’s when we forget either one of these that we feel gypped. Or angry. Or even, afraid.

So, how do we get out of our funk?

The one thing that always works for me, regardless, is praise. Praise for what God has done. Praise for what He will do. Praise that He cares. Praise that He loves me. Praise that He’s called me to the awesome task of writing.

As I was praying over this note to you today, this song came on. Give it a listen—and hear the words.

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Sing it until you believe it.

This journey isn’t about our writing. It’s about our STORY. It matters, and you matter, to Him.

He’s not done yet. And neither are you.

Keep writing. Your journey isn’t over.

Susie May

P.S. BTW, it’s not too late to get yourself organized and on the way to a brilliant year! And, right now, My Brilliant Writing Planner is the LOWEST PRICE EVER! Get it now and write your book this summer–the story sheets in the back are a great way to help you pull it together.