Stepping Out on Faith
According to the Bible, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Such profound words are very appropriate as I follow my lifelong journey towards ultimate peace and happiness through the scary and exciting world of entrepreneurship. As I sat here contemplating what words of wisdom to share with future brides by way of my very first event planning blog post, I can’t help but think about the comparison between two major milestones that will soon be occurring in my life and how the principle of faith and the evidence of things unseen applies to both; the 30th wedding anniversary to a man I completely respect and adore and the starting of this business. Starting out as a new business owner is in many ways like stepping into a new relationship that leads to marriage. Both require a certain amount of trust and confidence, regardless of the best-laid plans in order to be effective and successful. Both bring change, but change – even when expected – can still be surprising and unfamiliar. No matter how many books you read or words of wisdom you receive, there’s nothing like living through it. In both cases, if you are not willing to start putting in the work from the beginning, you will have to question your commitment and resolve to make a business enterprise as well as a marriage a success.
Stepping out on faith does not mean you move forward willy-nilly without a plan. Quite the contrary is true. In business, it’s best to have a plan of action (better known as a business plan), financing if needed, and licenses and permits depending on the business, just to name a few. In marriage, your business plan encompasses the dreams and goals that you have as a new couple and those things required to ensure that your goals are reached successfully. It also doesn’t hurt to have a strong support system of loving, trusted family and friends in both cases.
When the ideals and fantasies of what you think marriage will be begin to fade and the realities of relationships set in, and it may especially if you’ve been married as long as I have, your emotional and spiritual health may suffer occasionally. That’s when you draw on your faith, in the way in which it best speaks to you, even more.
If at any time you start to doubt the decisions you’ve made, take a step back and take a breath. Close your eyes and remember that there is always somewhere to turn when you feel you’ve lost your way. Faith will give you strength and clarity and help you change your mind, body and spirit to one that attracts the experience you want. Believe in your marriage, believe in each other and believe in your path. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step,” said Martin Luther King Jr. This is one principle I’ve chosen to live by since April 5, twenty-nine years ago when I first said “I do” to my remarkable husband and it’s brought me this far. And those will be the words and the principles I’ll practice as I start this business.
Until we chat again, Butterflies – keep creating and don’t forget to fly!
Edna
