AUGUST REFLECTIONS
I had no photo in my camera roll, so here's a stock photo of Nepal.
Hi Friend,
There has been a lot of excitement this month. There's also been a crushing in me, like how the wine presses make grapes into wine. I know you experience this too. Nobody is excluded from this. Things are far from perfect here in a world where pain and suffering are a reality. Sometimes it turns people into abusers, and for others it builds character. I want to share about my own crushing in case you need to hear it.
This August, my pride has been crushed. I have been praying to become humble so I can be a caring leader. I got what I asked for because a lot of self-dependence has been crushed out, and we've seen a miracle. Here's a recap:
- I carried a spirit of despair for the second half of the summer because the “summer slump” was feeling long. I showed up anyway.
- The annual raise that we promise our seamstresses in Nepal was given, after I've already cut back on what I pay myself. I had to depend on other ways for my own needs.
- The only office space I could find was well outside the budget. I had to choose faith to ask for it, and it was then made possible.
OVERCOME DESPAIR
With the exception of the happy rushes with the office space working out, I have not been crushing it lately, just been crushed. I want to get rid of the spirit of despair though that I've been battling this summer. Can it be exchanged for garments of praise?
I imagine going into work on Tuesday in our first office space with a smile on my face. I'm eager to get dressed in the morning before getting on the subway. Of course, I'll be wearing Elegantees, and will put on the “garments of praise."
I'm expectant that there will be a shift as well. Stepping into a space with a group of creatives with a positive attitudes and the freedom to create is not a recipe for despair.
LEADING BY SERVING
We start our first day in the office with our Tuesday interns, Maria and Richa. I plan to start the day by telling them how grateful I am that they are here. With having a home to call our own, and a team of interns this fall, it feels like I'm getting another chance to save Elegantees. We need fresh ideas and joy brought back into it all. There will be a lot of changes to our processes that will be fun!
Sometimes when I doubt Elegantees will make it as a company, I think of this office space at least as an assignment to shine the light. If we don't get the results to save the business and to grow it, at least the calling to mentor these college students means a lot to me.
To be able to be kind, joyful, and encouraging is something I really want to be to them. These character traits come from humble people. I guess I'm okay with the crushing, should it continue or come up again…
Maybe for our time on earth, that is like a vapor, it's not about being happy all the time. The crushing can be beautiful when our spirit is reflective of a deep, inner gladness that draws others to light and salvation. I hope you stay encouraged and see that there is a purpose in the crushing, whenever you go through it as well.
With Hope,
Katie
