Wait and Hope

I’m still stuck on Alexandre Dumas, particularly “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Intrigue, betrayal, revenge, justice, romance – the book covers it all, which is probably why it’s one of my favorites.

The book’s last line ranks as one of the greatest ending quotes of all time. Morrell laments that he shall never see the count again. Valentine consoles him saying, “Has not the count just told us that all human wisdom is summed up in two words? – ‘Wait and hope.’”

No, Dumas isn’t referring to that query letter you sent in last month. However, as I read through author blog-land, it seems we writers do a great deal of waiting and hoping. I’d say that might speak of our collective wisdom, but unfortunately, many of us put all our hopes in our writing. For some, it ties to self worth. Whether or not one’s book makes it dictates some writer’s contentment and that’s not quite what Dumas would have meant by his words.

In the above passage, the count encourages his young friends to trust in Providence as he had learned to. Why? Well, we could blog all eternity long about the count's belief that God is in control, but the other less evident reason that I'd like to point out is that looking to Providence also helps us take our focus off of ourselves.

So, on this “churchy” Sunday morning, that is my encouragement to those who write. First, keep writing (taking action), but don’t put your faith in what your own hands provide (or write). Do your best but recall that there’s more to life than writing. Oh, and do wait and hope for that acceptance letter.

Enjoy the last of your weekend!