It wasn’t my first rejection letter. Writers are accustomed to them regardless of their experience. And I’ve received my share, but I keep writing and submitting. I know what picky breeds editors are; I’m one myself. We seek certain criteria and dump what fails to meet our persnickety conditions.
Occasionally I encounter editors who don’t indiscriminately reject. Instead they offer suggestions. If a writer is willing to make changes, his work is accepted and he becomes a better writer. Those who reject critiques often give up.
The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (Genesis 4:4-5)
Cain rejected God’s rebuff. He and Abel heard God’s instructions for sacrifices and worship. Abel chose God’s way; Cain chose his own. Instead of learning from God’s corrective marks, he got angry and killed Abel.
Life hands out multitudes of rejections. From teachers who fail us, to spouses who abuse us and employers who fire us. Add friends who stab us and tragedies that strike us and life gets depressing. We can’t always avoid rejection but we do determine our response. Rather than anger, unforgiveness, revenge and unkindness, we can love unconditionally and learn continually. Rejection hurts and our response either soothes or shatters.
Prayer: Father, when we’re rejected, guide us to love in return as You do.
It is difficult when through no fault of our own we are rejected. Writing is one thing that can be improved especially if we pay attentions to the pointers. Thanks for an interesting take on rejection.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Martin. You had me at "encouraging rejection" : )
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy.
Gail
Good post.
ReplyDeleteJust hopped over from A Pause on the Path Blog Hop. I completely resonate with you post. In fact, I wrote a similar piece that I believe will make you smile - big - even in the face of rejection. Rejection can, in fact, be beautiful: http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/rejection-can-be-beautiful.html
ReplyDeleteHappy seeing beautiful!
Lydia @ See Beautiful
Thank you for this. I have been rejected lately and it is hard to move past without a bit of hurt and sometimes resentment. Yet, I guess, we can always find an encouragement in the rejection and a way to seek to improve through it.
ReplyDeleteRejection is hard, sigh, but something writers have to get used to. Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDelete