Being a small
business owner brings a lot of joy and triumph. But also a fair amount for
stress and discouragement. Trust me, I
know all about it! I started my business because I heard God call me to it. He
called me to use my talents when I struggled to put food on the table.
The joy that came
with this small venture brought so much balance to my life. I was rewarded by
both a paid grocery bill every month as well as being creative and challenged
in creativity. As I began to dream big
and imagine quitting my day job and just doing this full time and how amazing
that would be. I outlined what my brick and mortar store would look like and
what kind of store space I would have to show off all of the amazing work I was
doing. I imagined having a huge
Instagram following of devoted fans who couldn't wait for the next release
event. I imagined being featured on the front page of Etsy, or in a makers
magazine.
For 7 years I pushed
myself into late nights and long weekends to grow my business so that I could
reach a little bit closer and closer to that dream. As crazy as it gets during
the high season, I love every minute of it. But the slow season brings uncertainty
and doubt. In those moments I would push harder, read more books, listen to
more podcasts and desperately look for my customers.
At the beginning of
my 7th year a friend of mine asked how my business was doing, and I said
"It's doing okay, but….. I know God
called me to this, but I'm struggling to find the traction I need to step it up
to the next level." It was true. I
just kept telling myself that if God called me to it, He will bring me through
it. But truthfully, my inner thought kept saying "what on Earth could this
business be doing to glorify him in any way.
Really, what are these late nights doing for Him, what is the long
weekends working doing for Him
anyway?"
I brought this
though to the ladies in my Sabbath School class. While they all had lovely
responses to my talent and my grit and how people just love my product, that
might just need to be enough. One person suggested that I get a little bit more
literal with how I am sharing God through my business. We brainstormed those ideas. Someone had
suggested using Glow Tracts (literature on specific biblical topics that are
small enough to fit into a wallet). I
ordered 100 glow tracts.
That little bundle
of literature came to my studio, and I just looked at it. For a brief thought I
had that fear that many of Christians have when it comes to mixing Faith and
Business. What if my customers are offended by this? What if they open the box
to find the gift they ordered from me, and hate the fact that I put God in that
box too? What if I lose prospective
return customers over this? Who is going to read these anyway? They are all
going to get thrown away. This is such waste of time!
We all think that
from time to time. Us Christians. We think, why should I subject myself to
dislike from the very people I need to purchase my product so I can feed my
family?
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will
be with you where ever you go."
Joshua 1:9
That doubt, that is
the voice of the evil one. That is the voice of the one who hates God to
win! WHY on Earth should I be ashamed of
the very business that God set me to start?
Instead of walking
away I took that little bundle of literature in my hands and I prayed
"Lord, send
these to those who have asked for a sign. Send these to someone who is
searching but not seeking. Put these tracts in the hands of those who need
it."
If I send out 100
pieces of literature, and 99 of them get thrown into the trash but 1 brings
someone to the Lord…how can I NOT send them out? The nature of my business
allows me to send boxes all over the world. I have sent the Word of God all
around the world without ever leaving my home town. THAT is amazing. I will probably never know
if any of those Glow Tracts have changed a life in any way, but I trust that
the Lord is sending them those who need it.
It's been 12 months
since I sent out the first one. Since
that time, I have joined a very
profitable Saturday market, I was accepted as a vendor in an Art in the Park
festival, my sales increased by 60%, and I have connected with several
customers on a personal level that benefit us both greatly. I finally feel like I am gaining that
traction I need to push my business to the next level.
God called me to
this path. I got sidetracked a bit with my own dreams and ambitions. I forgot
that He called me to this for a reason, and that reason is not so that I can
become rich and famous. I still don't
really know how He wants me to bring the word to the world with my little home
business. But He DID call me, and I MUST
answer.
God calls us to be
happy. He calls us to be delighted in his blessings.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give
you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4
I am delighted in my
gifts. Being creative every day is what wakes me soul and makes it sing. I am
excited in my journey, still 8 years later. Still during those busy seasons
with long and nights and during the slow seasons when I have time for family movie
night. I am energized and delighted at all times because I know that God has
the plan. I just have to keep making.