Define Success

I’m weird. I know that. I’ve accepted that fact. I mean, consider the way I choose birthday cards for people. I look and look until I find the one that fits that person and the way I know it does that is that it either makes me laugh out loud or it brings tears to my eyes.

See? Weird.

I guess I’m that way about defining success, too. The first time I had someone share with me what the words I write here means to them, I cried and said I will keep doing this, it’s a success.

Now I’ve written a book. How will I define success for that?  I would love to sell about a bazillion copies and have it hit some bestseller’s list somewhere, New York’s would suffice. I would love to make enough money from it to pay off our house and Jack’s truck and help build a building for our church and an orphanage and school in Haiti. I would love… dreaming is fun, but can be depressing when the results aren’t there.

However, this morning, as I sat at my computer, feeling alone and depressed for the second day in a row (let down after vacation?) I received a beautiful message from a woman I reconnected with while in Kissimmee. She and I attended the same high school and together with some other friends we shared an evening of laughter and fun. While there she purchased a copy of my book as did three others. (That makes a total sales of eight. Not quite ready to pay off the house yet.)

Her message has knocked me over and brought tears to my eyes that won’t stop.

Hey Hon! I just have to tell you, I am really not into reading but I could not put your book down. I love the way you write and explain everything. It is on my level. My mom is also finished with book too! She says she feels like she knows you. I have a friend at work that is going to read it next and then it is going to Kissimmee for several folks to read. I “totally” love how you get the scriptures and bible verses to match up with the things in your life. I just thought I had things hard. And I know that it was The Lord that helped me. That was the only way through my divorce and troubles with raising my three sons. I am so glad that we have reconnected and hope to stay in touch.

The book is a success. I deem it so. No matter how many copies sell.

Anyone else?

Related posts:

1. an unreceived gift
2. House