Pulling my hair out . . . boy, was this ever the place I found myself in this past Thursday as we were preparing to travel to my husband, Danny's, high school reunion in Brunswick, Georgia.
We babysit for Virginia, our granddaughter, the night before we leave. Oh, what fun, but, oh, how tiring! She has more energy in her little finger than I have in my entire body. No worry though, I think. I've made a packing list and can easily throw my clothes and other necessities together in the morning.
NOT!
I wake to find an e-mail from my publisher. What??? You need what by when??? But, I'm going on vacation! How am I supposed to get all of this done before Monday, October 15th?
I fly into panic mode. E-mail fellow writers for supportive blurbs. Send them the novel and pray all the while that they will have time to read it and write complimentary recommendations. Belly up to the short-notice bar. Oh, what a favor I ask!
I need them now. I needed them yesterday. Why was the publisher remiss in giving me a longer deadline?
And, then there are the acknowledgements, the dedication, the novel summary, the author bio, long and short . . .
Panic!
You need this by when? Why wasn't I informed earlier?
Who dropped the ball?
Turns out, someone did drop the ball. A someone no longer employed by the publisher. The one who was supposed to give me all this information a month ago . . . and failed to do so.
Failed to care . . .
Failed to follow through . . .
Failed . . .
Fortunately for me, my publisher, Janie, completely understands and grants me a gracious extension. And, because of her generosity and flexibility, my mind and heart can breathe sighs of relief. And, my troubled soul is calmed once more.
Because, it is in my nature to care.
To always follow through.
And, "failure" isn't a word in my vocabulary. Never will be . . .
With a huge sigh of relief, I can stop pulling my hair out, enjoy the reunion weekend, and meet the deadline agreed upon between my publisher and me.
~
If you have some "deadline" or "panic" experiences in your life, I would love you to share them here. I know we can enrich one another through sharing our life lessons.
Glad you were able to enjoy your weekend. Everyday I feel the panic raising in me as I have to submit my blog post for the Blogfest or bloghop. It is mostly a last minute thing for me. Rarely does the inspiration strike me before the deadline.
ReplyDeleteWow, Janu, that is definitely calling it close! I so admire you for being able to work so well under pressure. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Hmmm, do you remember what I shared to you about our journal deadlines? I was so stressed out I couldn't sleep. I just kept on thinking how we'd be able to beat them... Geez! Then I shared this to you in prayer, and Jesus told me to sleep and relax. The next day, I was able to think clearly and we were able to make it through. Thanks God.
ReplyDeleteWell, sometimes things get really out of hand, but the burden shouldn't be ours alone... God waits patiently :)
Yes, Melissa, I definitely do remember that experience you had in meeting your deadline and so happy the Lord was able to convince you to relax and get some rest.
DeleteI do depend on Him to always see me through . . .
Thanks for your visit and many blessings, my friend!