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.