Playing the “what if” game is one of the things I love most about being a writer. I believe it’s one of the most powerful tools in our toolbox. Reading newspapers and magazine articles and asking “what if” can spark a host of story ideas. People watching and asking “what if” is a way I develop my character’s personalities and how they might react to a situation.
When I play the “what if” game with my life, I can clearly see the ways in which God has poured His blessing over me. How He turned difficult storms in my life into moments of thanksgiving. I can rest knowing He is my vindicator.
What if I hadn’t been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in my early twenties?
I wouldn’t have learned at a young age to appreciate each day that I’m able to get out of bed and go to work.
What if I hadn’t ruptured a disc in my back years ago, while I was still single?
I wouldn’t have enjoyed the special time spent with my newly retired father, who cared for me.
What if I hadn’t changed my mind about going out with a friend some nineteen plus years ago?
I wouldn’t have been blessed to meet the most wonderful and loving man I know.
What if I hadn’t suddenly lost my job in the middle of a recession?
I wouldn’t have been placed in a new job with far greater benefits and security.
What if I hadn’t had received that last minute nudge by God to enter a contest sponsored by Harlequin?
I wouldn’t have my first book releasing next year. I also wouldn’t be here, blessed to be writing for this blog, and meeting so many wonderful readers and writers.
Do you enjoy playing the “what if” game?
**I’m at the day job today, so I’ll be around later to chat.”
By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
Hi Jill! Thanks for sharing God’s leading in your life of “what if’s.” It is so much easier to look at “what ifs” in retrospect. I can’t say I ENJOY playing the game, but on occasion I will with family members when we forget to see God’s leading and blessings in our lives.
What if my family had not chosen to immigrate to the US in 1955 and learn a new language and culture?
I would have grown up behind the Iron Curtain and never been able to pursue my dream and be a teacher.
What if my family had not moved back to Michigan from Chicago in 1989 with a huge pay cut?
My husband and I would not have had later career opportunities with benefits that allowed us to retire comfortably.
What if the church parsonage hadn’t burned to the ground in 1997, which forced us to purchase our own home?
We would not have had the opportunity to pay off most of our mortgage before we retired.
God is good and moves us in ways we do not often understand at the moment. Praise His Name!
The what ifs…reminds me of Robert Frost’s brilliant poem ‘The Road Less Travelled”. When I look back at my life, I can clearly see God’s leading and am so thankful that He pushed me out of my comfort zone. It is fun to ponder sometimes, the different paths that life could take- that’s why I love to read, to explore some of those what ifs:)
It’s good to look back and stand in awe of what God has done through “misfortunes.” He knew all along what was best for us! What if I hadn’t gone to Bible school in Canada? I wouldn’t have met the love of my life…and all the good things that followed. Thank you for sharing this, Jill. You started me thanking God for all He has done!
I love looking back at the ways God has worked negative situations for our good. Great post!
What it’s can be painful,also when we make bad choices in life and follow God’s path.
Love this message, Jill. Years ago, hubby and I thought we should purchase a beach house as a second home. We thought about all the fun times we could share with family at the beach house. But, God knew our future. My husband’s job changed and the income lowered dramatically. We never did find a beach house and often wondered why we couldn’t find just the right one. God knew that if we had bought that second home, we would not be able to afford it. Thank you God. We don’t have to wonder, “What if?” because now, we know God had another plan for us. :-)
Great post! What ifs are essential when writing a story. I had no idea that you have Crohn’s Disease. My older daughter has it. We praise God that the meds she’s on have kept her healthy for a long time.
I also meant to say that the hero in my book, HOMETOWN DAD, has Crohn’s Disease. I wanted to draw awareness to the disease because I really didn’t know much about it until our daughter was diagnosed with it.
Actually have done this recently and it has allowed me to savor the blessings I’ve received. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront again.
Hi Renate! I appreciate you sharing your “what if’s.” I’m so happy you were able to pursue your dream of becoming a teacher. Yes indeed, God is good! Thanks for reading.
I agree, Wemble. The “what if’” game does bring to mind Frost’s poem….such a wonderful piece of work, isn’t it? Although it can be scary to be pushed outside of our comfort zone, the reward is worth it. Thanks so much for stopping by.
It certainly is, Kathleen. I’ve found it’s especially good to look back on those past “misfortunes” when we’re going through a new storm in life. By doing so, we’re reminded that in the end, it does always work out for the best. I’m happy to you went to Bible school in Canada too! Thanks so much for reading today.
Aw…thanks, Beth. I’m happy you enjoyed it. Yes, doing so really puts things into prospective, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by today!
That’s so true, Linda. Looking back on my own life, I’ve had my share of bad choices. I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment.
Thank you, Melissa! Don’t you love how God saw beyond the “fun times?” He’s so good at that! Thanks so much for sharing your story and for reading mine.
Thanks so much, Merrille! Yes, I was diagnosed in my early twenties, so I’ve been living with it for just about thirty years. A couple years ago I started Remicade infusions and it’s been a blessing. It’s the first drug that’s ever stopped the disease from spreading. I love that you brought CD to the forefront in Hometown Dad. Sadly, due to the nature of the disease, it isn’t talked about as openly as it should. Thank you for addressing it in HOMETOWN DAD. I’ll have to get it on my Kindle. I’m happy you shared this with me. Wishing your daughter the best!
My pleasure, Julianne. That’s great to hear. I think it’s something we all need to do, especially during challenging times. I appreciate you stopping by today!
Awesome post, Jill! I loved learning more about you and CD (had to research). Now I understand the daily spinach and egg breakfast. :) Oh, and I enjoy playing the “what if” game with my grandkiddos as well as with my fictional characters. Enjoy your Thursday, sweet friend!
Thanks, Tori! Oh yes, the breakfast of champions. LOL! I’m sure it’s fun playing the “what if” games with those cute little grandies. Thanks for stopping by! xo
Guess I really never thought of it as the “what if” game! I’ve often wondered why something had to happen in my life but God always reminds me of the good He brought out of it. And I’m so thankful for those reminders too! I can see how far God has brought me & be especially thankful to Him. I wouldn’t be the person I am or in the place I am without my past :-)
Exactly, Trixi! Our past has made us who we are today. I love those reminders we receive from God. Thanks so much for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend!
What a beautiful view of what ifs. Usually I see them in a sad context, but I like your positive perspective. Thanks for sharing. I also hope to hear more about your book soon.
What a wonderful idea, Jill. I can see that you have an attitude of gratitude. I need to come up with my own What if list. :-)
Thank you so much, Priscila. I look forward to sharing more about my book with you too. :) Hopefully, I have the cover soon. Thanks for reading!
Thanks, L. Marie! I appreciate you stopping by today!