This post contains referral links to items I have purchased in the past.
I used to wake up early before the kids got up, get ready, and sit down for about 30 minutes to work on my business. But, just before my birthday last month, I got hit in the side of the head by the Holy Spirit that I needed to re-shift my mornings. I had completely abandoned my once-loved mornings with my Write the Word journals from Lara Casey. I actually stepped pretty far away from the word. I wasn’t allowing it to fill me and quench my thirst for Him. But I also love my business and want to have God steer my business according to his will. So, I blended my two passions and opened back up 2 books – More Than Sales by K.E. Sipps and Thirty One Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and the Doer by Jenn Sprinkle & Kelly Rucker.
So each day I spend 15 minutes reading and writing on one book, then spend another 15 minutes on the next. Some days, however, More Than Sales asks a poignant question that has me spending more time in reflection. One of these days was on the topic of sowing seeds back into the kingdom. The chapter started on discussing God as a God of Order – being organized, methodical, and how he has given us permission and authority to run this business we have taken the leap into. But what does that mean?
Matthew 25: The story of three servants
In Matthew 25, it speaks of 3 servants, each given money to hold on to from their master, and how each one handled the money. One invested wisely and doubled the initial amount. The second servant handled it in the same manner. The third kept all the money safe and returned the same amount to his master when he returned. Thinking about this with a business mindset had me wondering what I would do.
When this story was first shared a few months ago in church, I figured I was the 3rd one. I’d rather just know that the money I started with was the money I would end up with. I wouldn’t want my master coming back dissatisfied that I ‘lost’ all their money.
Have you ever heard sometimes it takes being told the same story again, by a different person, that might resonate better with you?
Well. Re-reading this in December and the words that followed from K.E. Sipps have me changing my tune. God already knows the path he set us on. He already knows the peaks, the valleys, and how those journeys will provide insight or encouragement for others. He wants us to flourish, to be the light in others. This can mean different things to different people. What I realize, for me, is that my initial thought on the 3rd servant leaves little regard for the amazing things I can accomplish with God behind me.
Keeping the money is the safe route. Keeping the money means I don’t have the opportunity to dream bigger, give more, and help others. By not doing what is taught in the word of God, I will not be living up to the standards I aspire to be.
So what does that mean in a business sense? It means working on those big dreams, breaking them down into S.M.A.R.T. Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relavant, Time-Bound), and creating a course of action. One goal for 4th quarter next year is to double the donations for the Buddy Drive. 1st quarter goal is to earn the trip to Marco Island so I can have some time recharging before the fall catalog. Inspiring other women – with whatever their passion is – to believe in themselves and take action on THEIR goals.
I believe by taking actions that reflect what God tells us to do will allow for more blessings in this business. Or in any business, really.
What faith-based business books have you been reading? Share with me on Facebook!
Do you believe you can do anything with Him by your side? Come see why so many celebrate the Scentsy Spirit in our community!