A month ago, my Grammy died. I intentionally took a week of rest, a week off from posting, actively pursuing clients, and updating my Facebook page. A week quickly turned into two, then three, and finally four.
My grief has surprised me. It derailed my inspiration, my passion, my productiveness. I eventually found myself in a slump, feeling ill-equipped to help my clients, my family, and most of all, myself.
For longer than I’ve been grieving, I’ve felt called to lead my business in a direction still unclear to me. I am resistant to change because I know it means letting some things go, things that hold me back from being the servant God is calling me to be.
When I help organize a client’s physical space, things often need to go to make room for the peace that has been eluding them. Author and speaker, Christine Caine, beautifully says, “something needs to go, so that we can grow.”
A Call to Rest
Sometimes, it takes an event, in my case grief, to act as a catalyst to grow, to change. But again, I have no clue of the direction my business is headed. So, rather than taking blind shots at what I suppose I am to do, I am making incremental changes, learning to be more obedient, starting with my schedule.
Business has been good. When my schedule began to fill regularly, I added more days to my work week. I have long neglected my need for rest, pushing through, letting myself grow weary.
The decision to stop taking clients on Sunday’s isn’t an easy one. I know there will be people out there that can only work with me on Sundays, but I am needing to be faithful that God will create space on another day of the week for me to help them, or convict them to make their physical spaces priority.
In the coming months, more incremental changes will be happening. Relinquishing control is scary for me, but I am anxious and faithful to see what’s in store.
Time to Reflect: Is there something in your life that needs to change but you’ve been resistant to? What small changes can you make today that is moving you in the right direction?
Hi Katie,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your Grammy. It’s such a blessing to still have grandparents, yet so heartbreaking when this happens.
It’s awesome the way God works, and that through this he has shown you things about yourself. He will honor your obedience to set Sundays aside as a day for rest and will continue to bless your business. I am excited to see what He has in store for you and your business will be praying for you. Thank you for sharing.
Love, Emily
Thank you, Emily. She was an amazing lady.
Katie! This post is so timely!! Last week Pastor Doug shared about recognizing SEASONs in our journey with God. Yesterday he used the phrase “Rhythms of Grace”! Then, this morning you share THIS!! ThkQ!
I feel like I’ve been in that slump you refer to for months instead of weeks! Too often, times of reflection and self-examination too quickly turn to times of self-condemnation for me. And GRACE gets hidden in the shadows. I think that’s why Doug’s “Rythms of GRACE” was so timely. I’ve shared before that my understanding of God’s work in me comes best through 20/20 hindsight. ThkQ for reminding me and touching my soul this morning.
Wow, Jim, what a wonderfully thoughtful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to send it.
Doug’s messages are often timely, and I am sure it is because of those Rhythms of Grace.