The Writer’s Plight: A Little Perspective

I’ve been having myself a little pity party this week. With a word goal of 10,000 by Sunday (it’s Thursday and I’m not quite half way there), there have been many challenges. A husband who’s busy opening a new show at the theater and not around to help much. A busy week at my full-time day job. Then I spill coffee on my MacBook–yes, the one I bought in February–and watch it die a painful death right in front of my eyes. 

Poor me. I’m a writer with a deadline and I’ll cry if I want to. [Insert sarcasm.]

But today at the church where I work, we’re hosting a pretty incredible event. Each year, hundreds of Fort Worth’s homeless are welcomed into our doors to meet with dozens of service providers, get a hair cut, obtain medical screenings, update identification records, and even pick up books to read. They leave with a new backpack filled with toiletries, clean sheets/blankets, and their dignity. I’ve taken photos at the event for five years now. And not ONCE have I met a guest who is anything less than kind, respectful, thankful, and gracious.

They sleep on the streets or in shelters night after night, battle addictions and mental illness, and many are estranged from their loved ones. While I’m sure there are more days than can be counted full of tears and fear and hopelessness. But here in this first world country, they have no home and often no food. And they’re not here today for a pity party, but for a hand up from those who care about them. They’re thankful and happy.

Yes, it stinks to lose a $1000 computer. Sure, it’s tough working toward any dream like writing a book. But today, I’m thankful for the lesson my homeless brothers and sisters have taught me.

I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
— Philippians 4:11

TODAY’S TWEETABLE:

The Writer’s Plight: A Little Perspective from real life. — TWEET THIS!

“Be content whatever the circumstances.” #Philippians4 and overcoming the #writersplight.  — TWEET THIS!