Tea & Sympathy
Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 12:52PM Sorry it has been awhile since you've heard from me, I've been taking a little breather for awhile. I do have some news... I have a new section of my website called "GIVING BACK" you can check it out HERE. Please let me know if you know anyone who qualifies for this, I'm just itching to give our brave families a gift!
This idea of giving back all took flight when a couple months ago I was looking on David Jay's site. Since I missed out on getting to go to the Freedom Tour, I wanted to see if they had highlights and I found this video with the following quotes (from David Jay, Jasmine Star, and Dale Carnegie) that literately sent chills down my spine....
"Why is it that we start to value ourselves based on how busy we are?"
"I would rather see you fail at something you love, then succeed at something you hate."
"You will go further in 2 months by becoming genuinely interested in just 2 other people than you will in 2 years trying to get other people interested in you."
I believe these were the seeds that really sparked something in me. I've been moping around, saddened by the economy and how its directly affected us, our constant moving, and my lack of business. YES, I just said that. I know its the last thing I should confess on my blog, but if I'm gonna go down for being honest, then let it be. The truth is I'm hurting, and I believe that most people are right now - especially people, like myself, who are just starting their own business. Because essentially, in this business what you are selling is yourself. That doesn't come easy to everybody. It certainly doesn't come easy to me.
So right now I'm evaluating what God wants for me... trying to interpret if these are really signs of the times or if they are signs another direction for my life. I hope not the latter, but either way I need purpose. I think the journey for purpose will start here and now. I'm trying to find ways that I can use my art as a service and that's the reason I starting the "giving back" section. Rather than just worry how much money I'll make on a sale or how I'll get clients through word-of-mouth when I'm new to a town, I'm just going to start by putting it out there.
The beauty of helping others is that you become so intricately involved in their lives that the focus on our own lives trinkles out. And when my focus is on trying to perfect my own life and make sure all my ventures succeed, there is no happiness or reward to be found there.
I've been listening to the song "Tea & Sympathy" by Jars of Clay and I am hanging on the line that says
"Not intend, To leave this castle full of empty rooms...don't trade our love for tea and sympathy." This is why I want to be real with you all and be honest about where I'm at. Because I KNOW that if I keep pursuing something (even if I love it) that God has not designed for me to follow, there will be empty rooms in my heart. For now I'll just keep praying and trying to find ways to use my art as a tool to help others!
Reader Comments (8)
Rachel, you really are such an inspiration! I love the quotes you posted and I think those words were exactly what I needed to hear. I know that God has a very special course for you. Keep up the good work, helping others is always a good direction to go.
This economy may bring down our checking account balance, but its never gonna bring down the love and admiration I feel for my wife. You and I are blessed beyond words and just like a certain unnamed movie once said... "the sweet is never as sweet... without the sour" xoxoxo
This post has really resonated with me - I seem to be at a similar stage. I hope God's purpose becomes clear to you and hopefully leads you in the direction you would like - but if not, I'm sure He has great things in store for you!
Rachel I think you are really close to finding a nugget of truth that some will never come close to. Colossians 3:2-3 "Set your minds on things above,and not on things on Earth. For you have died and your life is Hidden with Christ in God." We are just pilgrims here! This is not our Home! We keep trying to nail stakes in this turf. God wants us to loosen those stakes and look at HIS FACE! Take a few minutes to Stare at HIM, you will be surprised a how your perspective will change.
Absolutely beautiful post! It's not always easy to put ourselves out there. I 100% agree with helping others! Honestly is always the best policy and praying for God to take you in the direction He has planned for you! By the way - I think it's where you are because your work is stunning! :)
Girl, I am so on the same page with you right now. I realized I could feel sorry for myself and not seek God's will or turn the free time into serving others with what God gave me. It's a lot more rewarding (maybe not financially) to do the latter. Wish we lived closer to each other!
WOW...this is such a powerful post. Thanks for sharing your heart. I think we could all benefit from giving more...even if we don't have alot.
Interesting post - thanks for sharing what's in your heart right now. I hope it's just a sign of the times and that things pick themselves back up for you. It's awesome that you're giving back and the third quote you listed really hit home with me.