The Gift
As an entrepreneurial leader and trusted advisor to many, I spend much of my typical work week scurrying from one appointment or meeting to the next. Few months go by that I am not on an airplane flying to a conference or a visit with an out-of-state client or strategic partner. Covid-19 brought all of that to a halt. The first few days I was grateful for the respite. That was soon replaced by anxiety. How are we supposed to grow a business if we can’t go to work? How badly will our income be affected by the accompanying downturn in the markets? How long will this thing last? What about our summer vacation?
As we began to learn how to operate in this new paradigm, I began “seeing” twice as many clients per week (or more) than usual to walk them through this scary time. I discovered that I had more margin than before. Time to get out and take a walk. I was reminded of wise words a good friend once shared with me when I was going through my divorce more than a decade earlier, “Rick, God wastes nothing.” Interesting. Father, what would you have me to learn during this “Divine Disruption” (as pastor Tony Evans calls it)? As the days began to stack up and my time of reflection grew, it was very clearly impressed upon me one afternoon that I had been given a huge gift. “Be still and know that I am God” took on whole new meaning.
I began taking greater joy in my work as our sole focus turned to serving our existing clients rather than acquiring new ones. Opportunity for expanded quiet time opened up new possibilities. I am listening, Lord. Journaling. Meditating. I have enjoyed more quality time with my wife and kids, including family dinners each evening around the kitchen table, picnics in the park and our first family hikes up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cassie and I have talked more about important non-business things than we have in a long time.
Through this process I have grown more content and grateful for His provision and the many blessings we are privileged to enjoy. On our frequent walks I became more keenly aware of beauty all around me. God is still at work making all things new (Isaiah 43:19). Each evening I take in the sunset from the rocker on our front porch. I’ve got no place I have to be. I think I will check in on an old friend (or two or three) that I haven’t spoken with in quite some time. Maybe I will spend time noodling on my bass guitar that I have not touched in a while. Perhaps playing a board game with the kids or working a big puzzle together this weekend would be fun. Or learning how to play frisbee golf… Who knows?
What I do know for certain is that the birds with their singing and the the tulips and redbuds, dogwoods and azaleas everywhere are still heralding the arrival of spring, oblivious to the daily news. While most of us may not be able to gather together in community to celebrate, the tomb is still empty and that is what matters most!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ~ Philippians 4:8
Would you like to continue the conversation about the great opportunities in the market and our investing strategies that preserve your values while managing your investments?
Do you know what Business Practices You Are Supporting through your Current Investments?
Or Contact Us to Schedule a Phone Call or Meeting.
Call us today! (540) 345-3891