The still small voice at rejection

One of my academic papers I was sure would be accepted for publication was rejected yesterday.

Not even "revise and resubmit."

Just a plain NYET.

The nerve of them.

I was sky high about the paper! In my mind's eye I saw it in print! It might even make a splash! It'll make me feeeel better during these few depressive months I've had! But ...

Just a plain NYET.

No matter how many times I go through this, it's never easy.

But I have come to appreciate the still small voice at rejections.

This was a paper not in my field (the design disciplines) but in philosophy! The still small voice: Don't think you can do this by your wits. Maybe I don't want you tampering with that stuff.

But this topic was my doctoral dissertation and, 13 years later, I can say it much better! The still small voice: That doctorate was only because I let you pass.

But this paper would bone up my CV for a more appropriate teaching position! The still small voice: Dream on pal. (I paraphrase).

But what to do now??? The still small voice: Be content with what you have.

But what to do now????? The still small voice: ........

Well, I got some ideas, but I need to see if it's from the still small voice, or just more of my hokey plans.

Logos2Go

1 Kings 19.11-13 ... And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" ...