It was one year ago this week that we opened our business. Which would be a pretty impressive milestone were it not for the fact that last week we officially closed!
We were at a cross roads and decided it would be better for our family in the long run to get out while we still had some money and sanity left. Because honestly, if we had continued much further we would have quickly run out of both!
Don't feel bad for us. We don't feel bad for us.
Although it wasn't a profitable experience as far as money is concerned, we gained a wealth of knowledge this past year--things we needed to learn and probably couldn't have learned any other way.
Now more than ever I believe that the purpose of this life is to refine us through our trials. That "refiners fire" that everyone is always talking about is so crucial to this mortal experience even though it can sometimes feel unbearably hot.
Here are just a few of the important lessons that the refiners fire of owning a small business has taught me:
* Just because the Lord wants you to do something doesn't mean he's going to make it easy for you. Nor does it mean that it's going to turn out like you expected.
* If you feel your prayers aren't being answered it may be necessary to change the question.
* "Venting" your negative emotions is better left to prayer. Give those thoughts, emotions and stresses to the Lord. He will give you more peace than a hundred tantrums ever could.
* There is strength to be had in recognizing your own weaknesses. You may need to just embrace who you are, give up on trying to be who you think you ought be and celebrate the you that is!
* Everyone makes mistakes, but don't make it worse by also making excuses. Own it and move on.
* The Lord doesn't care about money--And he may let you lose a lot of it to teach you what is really important!
* The statement "winners never quit and quitters never win" is a lie. Winners quit all the time. The trick is knowing WHEN to quit and being clear in your motivations when you do.
* Running a struggling business and being unemployed pay about the same! :)
We're still trying to figure out what is next for us. We're taking a little time to regroup right now. Fortunately we have options. I am extremely optimistic about what lies ahead. I'm open to just about anything. I'm not scared to take chances and I'm not afraid to think outside of my own box.
I guess I learned that in the fire too.
9 comments:
Oh, wow. You've had two or three years of fire straight.
I'm hoping for a nice, big fire extinguisher in your near future.
Some great lessons, though. Something I ought to print out and staple to my forehead.
Great lessons, Blondie! Thanks for sharing them! It seems as though you have learned a decade worth of lessons in just a few short years! (Although, the process probably seemed like an eternity!) I, too, have learned some of those lessons in the fire, but still have others I am working out. Blessings on you and your sweet family in all the fires and adventures that await! Love you, woman!
Oh Sarah, I love it when you post, it always makes me smile! And just so you know, I don't feel one bit bad for you! Thanks for some good advice.
I love the advice given in "You've got mail". The mother fugure tells Meg Ryan that she is courageous to close her shop because she is showing that she belives there is something more out. You're statement about owning an unprofitable business is about the same as being unemployed is false. It's harder. I'm proud of you for the year you tried and proud you have the courage to move on. You are my hero of the day.
Great post Sarah, I agree with Annette about printing it out- your insight is perfectly stated! Good luck with your next great adventure.
Have you seen Uncorked (with Mini Driver)? She talks about the "Sunk Cost Fallacy" it sort of goes along with what you speak of- pretty amusing film, could be good for a laugh if you haven't seen it!
Lots of hugs my friend!
"Just because the Lord wants you to do something doesn't mean he's going to make it easy for you. Nor does it mean that it's going to turn out like you expected."
Truer words were never spoken!
My friend, it sounds like you and I hare having similar life lessons being taught. You are so right! "The angle at which you approach something is exactly how you see it." How blessed you are to have been able to learn so many wonderful things. I love you, and will pray for your family!!
I find that if I kneel to vent negative emotions Heavenly Father says. "I know. I'm aware. Now go clean your bathroom floors."
Remarkably half way through the task, I feel so much better.
Whereas, if I vent the negative emotion to another person I just paid it forward. Oops!
wow! Man, you are good with words--can I copy what you just wrote and turn it into a church talk? What a positive person you are--don't know if I could be like that.--Love the hair by the way! I bet your neck feels cool!
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