“Why can’t life be black and white, God? Why won’t you give me a happy ending?” She drew her knees up, resting her chin on her folded arms. “I’m trying to do the right things–shouldn’t that guarantee me happiness?” ~Allison Denman in Wish You Were Here
In less than two weeks, Beth K. Vogt is going to share my life with all her readers.
Oh, sure, to those of you who read Wish You Were Here, I’m only a fictional character — a figment of Beth’s imagination.
But how would you feel if the first time someone met you was when you were standing just inside the doorway of the church, waiting to walk down the aisle to say, “I do?”
And how would you feel if this new person could read your thoughts? Beth knew each step I took toward Seth Rayner on my wedding day was punctuated with the thoughts “I do. I can’t. I must.”
It’s difficult enough to wrestle with doubts. Try facing with them while you’re wearing a wedding dress that’s all wrong for you. While you’re trying to forget kissing the groom’s brother–who just happens to be standing next to him because, of course, he’s the best man.
Not that he’s the right man for me.
I just want to do the right thing, you know? Have you ever wanted to do the right thing? And then … all of a sudden … the right choice seems wrong.
I dated Seth Rayner since I was 17 years old. He was — is perfect for me. He makes me feel safe. Secure.
How can one kiss … a mistake … make me question all my hopes and dreams — all my plans?
In Your Words: Have you ever experienced having a mistake turn into the right thing?
Comments 21
What a clever and creative post, Beth! I love it. You planted us deep inside Allison’s head and now we HAVE to read the book to find out what happens. Well done! I’m going to Amazon to buy a copy right now.
🙂
Well, welcome to my world, Michelle. I’ve been living in Allison’s head for y-e-a-r-s.
Agree with Michelle – very clever! Mistakes … well, they have led me to new opportunities. Even the big mistakes (my son’s father) gave me wonderful gifts, so I don’t regret that nightmare one minute. How can I regret it when it produced such a wonderful son (and now two grandchildren!)?
Karen,
What a wonderful example beauty coming from a mistake!
🙂
Very fun post, Beth. 🙂 So nice to “meet” Allison. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Just need to take some time to remember which ones yielded a good result. 🙂
I am certain, given some thought, you will, Jeanne.
Absolutely! I told my husband when he expressed interest in me that he would be a mistake, as I already had figured out who I was going to marry. He actually thought that was funny. That I said that. Cocky. Irritating.
And he’s been my husband almost 17 years. Guess he knew a thing or two and I’m glad I married what I considered a “mistake” at first. 🙂
Love that story, Jess.
Love it.
OK, Jess, now you need to write a blog post telling this story in more detail!! I wanna hear…
Agreed.
Great intro. here. And I already really liked what I knew of this debut but loved so much more rdg. my influencer’s copy. I’ll post those appreciative review comments today.
🙂
Thank you, Dee.
You know how important positive feedback is.
Can’t wait to meet more of Allison!
Yep, kissing Eric was a mistake at the time…but after one hundred years of marriage – well no, not really, but sometimes it seems it’s been that long – I can say that it was the right thing…the best thing that I’ve ever done.
I am intrigued by your story, Loree.
😉
Any mistakes I’ve made have led me to be the person I am today. Hopefully I’ve learned from them and grown. I can’t think of any that ended up being “right,” but I sure loved reading Allison’s story about hers. 🙂
Great perspective, Lindsay.
I like Allison already, thanks for letting us get a peek at her. I can’t wait to get to know her more, sounds like a character I can relate to.
Mistakes, oh yes, I’ve made them. Thankfully God loves pulling what I like to call a “Genesis 5020” and turn it around for His glory.
Melissa: A Genesis 5020. I like that too. Such great perspective!
I’m eager to spend time with Allison. Soon!
S-o-o-n.
Eeek!
🙂
So awesome to meet Allison, Beth! There just isn’t enough space here to elaborate on how many mistakes God has turned into the right thing. Love it!