First off, I have to laugh at my own title: Real Life. What is that even supposed to mean?! Don’t worry, I’ll explain!
And now that we’ve had our laugh, let’s talk about what I’m referring to. Real Life – the in-between moments that lead to your goals and big accomplishments. The “oops” moments and the struggles.
This popped into my mind as a good topic earlier last week as we were prepping for an event for our shop. We had stacks of stock, staging and other prep items out and about in our back office. I frequently take photos of our shop and post them – photos that highlight new product or pretty displays. Meanwhile, the back office can look like clutter kingdom!
As I working, I got to thinking about others who might see the pretty pictures we post. To judge by appearance, you wouldn’t consider the mess in the back room – it’s never photographed and posted. One would see the clutter-free photos and assume that preparing for an event was as pretty and tidy as the shop appears in those photos. (at least those who don’t own a shop and deal with it themselves!)
I decided that, although I want to keep the photos I post tidy, inviting and peaceful, I might share some behind the scenes too. That might help another prospective shop owner better anticipate what to expect!
I had someone ask me if we were getting a handle on having our own shop. Were we more comfortable with it and feeling more organized. I paused to think for a moment and then I told them that having a shop was just like anything else in life – you do your best to prepare, sometimes you scramble and sometimes you own it. Some moments you feel all pulled together and other times you can feel like it is day one.
Simply put, having a shop is a part of real life. If you will embrace life and see it’s beauty – as well as laugh at best-intentions-gone-wrong! – then you will find delight in most anything you choose to do!
Embracing real life and making the most of it reminds me of the verse in Proverbs that says “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes from the strength of the ox.”
In other words, if you had no oxen, put forth no effort, didn’t allow yourself to make things a little disorganized for the sake of something bigger, then your manger – be it your life / desk / office area – would be clean and uncluttered. But if you’ll push the envelope, get those oxen – not for the sake of the mess, but for the sake of all that you might accomplish because of them – then you will see a real benefit!
No matter what you do, give it your best effort and do it unto the Lord! That includes loving and helping your family, showing kindness to others, and lending a helping hand.
Don’t let the fear of hard work keep you from pursuing what God has called you to do! Don’t apologize for the moments when you’re going through the in-between. Recognize that it is all part of the process and delight in it!
Real life has so many stages, so many in-between moments. But the beauty of it is that everyone goes through these moments. May we remember to give ourselves and others an extra helping of grace while we navigate life gracefully for God!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Would you like to know more about the boutique that my sister and I own and run?! Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/twigdowntown/