Writer's Block

Writer's block. Analysis Paralysis. Writer's cramp. Whatever the label, it is frustrating and discouraging. I've been in a writing funk for quite some time and wondered if I would ever have another creative thought or think of anything worth putting into words again. What was about to happen was an extraordinary experience which turned my slump into an opportunity to write.

It was Good Friday and I was grocery shopping for our Easter lunch menu. I was dutifully filling my cart and had just placed a case of bottled water onto the lower portion of my basket. As I stood up, a beautiful young woman was standing near me with an empty cart. She said, "May I ask you a stupid question?" Knowing that there are rarely stupid questions, I replied, "Sure, go ahead." She asked, "Are you a writer?" I was stunned because I thought she was going to ask me which brand of water I preferred. I hesitated and then answered, "Amateur, at best."

Quickly, my mind raced to try and remember her face or recall from where I might know her. Nothing. She was a stranger to me. I had no idea where this conversation was going but I was definitely intrigued. She then told me something that amazed me. "I thought so," she explained. "I felt God prompting me to ask you that question. I want to speak a blessing over that and encourage you."

I was shocked beyond words! I laughed and told her that I was glad that she sensed a "writer's aura" around me of all people, and that I would definitely write about this. She smiled and then began to push her cart down the aisle. As I turned to continue my shopping, I looked over my shoulder and called out to her, "Happy Easter!" She sweetly smiled again and responded, "Happy Easter to you, too!".

I worked my way through the store and looked for the beautiful stranger. As I stood in the checkout line, I looked for her in the other lines. In the parking lot, I glanced about hoping to catch a glimpse of her loading groceries into her car. I did not see her again.

For days afterwards, I pondered my brief yet powerful conversation with the beautiful lady. Who was she? Isn't it odd that her cart was empty even though we were near the back of the store? And then the strangest thought came across my mind. Could she be an angel sent to give me a special message? Not me! What an absurd and arrogant notion to think that God would send someone to me! What have I done to deserve such a miracle?

Of course, the answer is that I had done nothing to earn this unmerited favor. All that is required of me is to receive this Divine gift and, as I had promised the woman, to write my story and share it with anyone who will read it.

Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God cares about me and you and He longs to give us our hearts' desires. Even if it's only a small thing, such as writing a short story, God can use it to bring peace and joy into our lives.