Monday, November 23, 2009

This year Fall came to Tennessee with an explosion of color. Unusual, since our autumns tend to sneak in, turn the leaves slowly, and vanish with the first whisper of a winter wind. But this has been an extremely wet season for us, which made for great color but a short season.

The bright colors, however, brought the usual reminder of harvest and gratitude, and this year I’ve been more than blessed, even though it may not appear to some who look at my world from the outside.

In April, I lost my job, so finances are tight. But the time has allowed me to write more and investigate every possible way God can use my talent. The doors that have opened have been startling and glorious.

My daughter has been ill, but has stabilized. Sometimes folks forget that Rachel wasn’t supposed to be with us past 5 or 6 years old. She’s 22. EVERY day is a blessing, even the rough ones.

I’ve had a rough time writing my latest book due to depression. Yes, but every moment at the keyboard reminds me of the talent God gave me. The contract kept me going when I might have taken to my bed and not emerged.

Writing may be tough sometimes, but God never lets me forget that I’m on His journey. He never promised me this path would be easy; just right.

Next month, my latest book debuts, and one of my reviewers pointed out how much she liked the cover because the picture is innocent and peaceful . . . until you add the title on top of it.

Sometimes my life is exactly like that: the picture is not complete, not clear, until God adds His layer to it. Only then can we truly understand each day.

I hope each and every one of you has a blessed Thanksgiving, full of family, fun, and all the layers of the Lord.

4 comments:

Sheila Deeth said...

Thank you for sharing part of your life and encouraging me in mine.

Leann Harris said...

Ramona, I'll keep you in my prayers. Sometimes when we walk through the valley, it makes the mountain top so much more glorious.

Carmen said...

Having a farming background, Field of Danger became more of a thriller than just suspense. DEFINITELY a great read!

Ramona Richards said...

Thanks, everyone, for your terrific comments. It's encouraging - and as Leann pointed out - part of the walk to the mountain top. Have a great holiday!