Wednesday 31 August 2011

Failure was my beacon!




There I was, waiting at the traffic lights at the cross roads of life, waiting for the red light to change. Suddenly, the Green light beckoned; my Beacon. Only, it wasn’t pointing in the direction my vehicle was turned towards. No – I had to do a U turn to get there. And quickly.

Did I? You bet I did.
Was it worth it? Of course it was!

What a lovely surprise that failure was my beacon!

I had always wanted to write. As far back as I can remember. I was the daughter of two Journalists. Books were a much loved part of our household; writing was a way of life. I remember carrying around a notebook around when I was little, scribbling poems and stories. The desire to write burned brightly inside of me.

But life happened. And everything but writing took centre stage in my life for a long long time. My interest in the English language had begun when I was little. I’d spoken my Mother tongue, Sinhalese for the first 3 years of my life. The entry into school changed that. I began talking in English then. And with that, the wide world of English books opened up for me. I was enthralled.

However, my real foray into writing had to be when I became a Christian at 16, because that’s when I joined in with God’s story. Life suddenly opened up in amazing ways. Life with a capital L! God’s reality struck me by force – and I was plunged into a new and fabulous world of living for His Kingdom. 12 years of intense Ministry followed by 21 years of Marriage and Motherhood. All good.

On the study and working front, lots of non writing avenues were explored. First I studied to be a Laboratory Technician and worked as a Lab Assistant in a Girls High school. That was good fun. Next I studied Computer programming. I was enthralled with the intricacies and delights of programming. I worked for 8 years as an Analyst Programmer and enjoyed myself. Full time mothering came next. I revelled in that of course. What job could be more rewarding (and challenging?) than bringing up a child? Lots of volunteer jobs and lots of little paid jobs; all a perfect fit with being a homemaker.

When my one and only son entered High school, I decided it was time I looked to make my own life. So I began applying for jobs. A job that that never happened. Six years of job applications to work in Administration yielded just one interview. I was second in line for the job. But… I wasn’t the one chosen one. Yes, I had failed yet again!

That did it. That was my ‘aha’ moment! Was my failure to get a job a wake up call? Was God speaking to me through it? I went to Him. I asked Him. I listened. I grappled with it for days and nights. Yes, I heard His voice. God was opening up a different way for me. Not a boring job in Administration after all. Why not pursue my heart's desire – my deepest desire – the dream I’d always longer for. To become a Writer!

Had my hour arrived? I asked my husband what he thought. He, the hard working breadwinner of our household was extremely gracious. “If that’s what you want, go for it”, he said.

What did I feel then? A big "YES!" resounded from deep inside of me. This was what I have been born for!

And so, on January 10th 2007 I entered the grand new adventure of WRITING! I started tapping computer keys. With purpose. With passion. With enjoyment. My first Aussie acceptance came in June 2007 – Into Australian Stories 2007. A sweet sweet accomplishment it was!

It’s now 4 ½ years later, in August 2011. God has been very good to me. I’ve been published in the Australian Stories books every year. My 1st Inspirational book ‘Enjoying the Journey’ was published in June 2010. Getting there has been one incredible journey. I am presently writing book number 5 and greatly enjoying myself.

It’s not about me of course. My story is about Him. The One who created me. The One who died for me. My King, my Lord, my Saviour, my All in All. I am just joining His marvellous story – the story that goes on and on into Eternity.

What a wonderful privilege to be able to share my story with you. And to hear yours. He helped me find fulfillment through my failures – the beacon that pointed the way. And then of course He shone His light brightly into my darkness, so I could follow His lead and share His love with His world.

To God be the glory, great things He has done!


Anusha delights in life, the love of Jesus, people, the beauty of God’s Creation. She writes mostly for pleasure. She has decided never to grow old in spite of a body that is already defying her intentions! She enjoys the finer things of life including friendship and chocolate! Singing, walking, connecting with people and sharing God’s love are her some of her deepest passions. Like her writing, she is a work in progress!

Anusha lives in Adelaide with her husband Shan and their 21 year old son, Asela.

25 comments:

  1. Hi Anusha,
    I loved reading your post. May God continue to bless your writing ministry.
    Jennifer Ann

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  2. Hi Anusha,
    I loved reading your apt life analogies in your book, and this reflection is just as awesome. I love your conclusion that being unable to secure a job in the mainstream workforce at that time meant you could follow your heart. Good on your husband for releasing you to it!
    Thanks for reminding us that these apparent 'failures' may really be our greatest successes. I needed that too, as my story is similar in many ways.
    Blessings,
    Paula

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  3. Thanks for sharing your life's journey with us,Anusha. Failure can be a great impetus in all of life's situations, as long as we hand it to the Lord. Perseverance is the key, and knowing He is with us spurs us on.

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  4. Hi Jennifer. Many thanks for your kind comments. Really appreciate your wishes.

    Hi Paula,
    Thanks so much for your encouraging words. That's really lovely to hear that your story is similar to mine in many ways. Will look forward to hearing it sometime. Yes, the Christian life is a marvellous paradox, isn't it? Sometimes our biggest failures can beomce our biggest blessings, when we yield to Him I think, as God reminded me the other day.
    Thanks again,
    Anusha

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  5. Thank you for reminding me that in God's eyes we aren't failures. Sometimes life can be so overwhelming that we all forget to run to Him and seek His will for our lives.

    How wonderful that you can truly seek your heart's desire. :)

    Lee

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  6. Thanks Rita and Lee for your encouraging words. Really appreciate it,
    Anusha

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  7. Hi Anusha. It was wonderful to hear about your writing journey and how you've turned failure into success. Thanks. Blessings, Amanda.

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  8. I loved how you described yourself as a WIP. If Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, then we are in very good hands as we are edited, fine tuned, polished and strengthen every day!

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  9. Thanks Amanda. Appreciate your kind words.

    Thanks Penny! God has been showing me lately how much work is still needed on me. Thanks for the way you expressed that - about us being edited, polished and strengthened daily. I like that! Blessings and thanks.
    Anusha

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  10. Anusha, thanks for sharing your journey with us and I'm glad you're able to pursue your heart's desire :)

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  11. This was good, to know there is a reason why we don't get the job we think we want. There is a song i heard recently.
    "I fight for what i really don't want and realised God is giving me what i need" (my paraphase)
    God has a plan for all of us.

    MEL

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  12. Hi Mel,
    Many thanks for that lovely comment. So true in life isn't it? I've often chosen one way for my life, but God has chosen others... and yes, they've always outclassed my own. Aren't we blessed to know Him? :)
    Anusha

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  13. I loved reading this, GA, thanks so much for sharing it with me! And thank you for using the gifts God has given you to bless so many others! Looking forward to your next post:)

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  14. Anusha, its great to see you so passionate about God, life and your writing. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Hi Anusha.m, I really enjoyed reading your post - thanks for sharing it with me. Your story is inspiring and encouraging! Dil

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  16. Hey GG!
    Lovely to get your comment. Thanks so much! Well done - many of the family had been unable to post their comments successfully but you had overcome! Thanks for your encouragement and even more your constant encouragement in my life, GG. Bless you.
    much love,
    Aunty Anu xo

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  17. Hi Laura,
    Your comments were very encouraging.
    Thanks so much!
    blessings,
    Anusha

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  18. Hi Dil,
    Many thanks for reading my blog and for your very encouraging comments. Bless you. Glad you visited the page.
    much love,
    Anusha Marmee xo

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  19. Anusha, I loved your title: Failure was my beacon. So many people see failure as a huge step backward, but the Lord has so many opportunities in our failures, to teach, love, help us grow and show us His way. As I was reading your blog I remembered something that I heard when I was a child: When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. Isn’t it wonderful how perfectly He knows us!

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  20. Lovely to meet you Anusha, I found your post so encouraging! Thankyou for sharing your story.
    It's the best thing when we finally realize, that it's OK to allow God to flow through us to forfil His purpose for our lives. I have also experienced this and it's when I do my best in life and when Im at my happiest!

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  21. Thank you Rose for your kind words. Thankfully the Christian life is a paradox, is it not? When we are weak, it is then we are strong. When we fail - it's then we can be all we should be - because that's when we lean most on God.
    I loved your saying about God opening a window when a door has banged shut in our faces! I must remember that and look out for the windows He will surely keep opening for me. Thanks so much.
    And yes, it is so good to be known so well and yet to be accepted totally by the God who Created the whole Universe. Awesome isn't? Thanks for your encouragement Rose,
    Anusha

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  22. Thanks so much Lynne. I was very encouraged by your comments. I noticed you also write non fiction as I do?
    It was lovely to hear of how you too have discovered what a thrill it is when we finally do what He has called us to do - and yes, that does free us to enjoy life to the full doesn't it? We do have an awesome God! How blessed we are!
    Blessings Lynne and thanks again for your encouragement,
    Anusha

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  23. We are so blessed to belong to a God who turns our failures into His successes. For trading our ashes for beauty. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story Anusha :)

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  24. Thanks for that Dorothy. We sure do. Aren't we blessed? The 'beauty for ashes' you mention has always resonated with me after taking Isaiah 61:3 to heart. Thanks for your encouraging words.
    Anusha

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