Crossing the T's and Dotting the I's

I participated in a month long challenge to write a 50,000 word novel.

Today, I learned a valuable lesson, and the jury is out on whether my situation will be resolved.  You see, I never figured out how to validate my novel at nanowrimo.org.  I could have looked at the forums early on.  I didn't.  

I kicked myself figuratively.  Then, I cried and cried last night.  I worked so hard on my novel, and I might not get the recognition.  I have coveted the reward--a badge--saying that I had accomplished my goal of writing a 50,000 word novel.

As I tried to gather my tears, I tried to make sense of my little madness.  The question became: Do I need external motivation and rewards to accomplish a goal?  Isn't it enough that I finished a novel within one month?

The reality is that I submitted my novel to be validated via email.  It's out of my hands.  I pray that everything works out.  I can't change the past.  I pray that God handles the rest.

I'll be patient about the process.  That's all I can do.  Thanks for any prayers that you, my readers, care to send up to God about this situation.  I greatly appreciate them.

To recap: It's important to read the fine print about anything, especially when dealing with a project.  You might regret it if you don't.  

This entry is for Thorough Thursdays.  I pray you all take it to heart. ;)