For the past several months we have tried everything to get on a certain vendor list. We have purchased inventory, developed new marketing strategies, targeted divisions well outside of our comfort zone, proven more times than once our worth as a quality supplier and jumped through flaming hula-hoops to find everything from light bulbs to pink unicorns. We have made several contacts and a lot of friends, but the vendor list continues to elude us.
One of the managers called me today and offered to push from the top. I was extremely appreciative of his willingness to help but reminded him it just wasn’t time yet. Puzzled by my response, an opportunity to share the Gospel was born. As much as I want my team on that list, the jagged landscape in between communicates to me a lack of God’s presence in the endeavor.
I have put some miles into this business in our three short years of having opened the doors. My phone is on 24 hours a day and many nights I’m in bed after 1AM. Most of my life savings is on the line and the biggest sacrifice has come from the hands of my wife and kids. Million-dollar deals, and the insurance that goes along with them, keep my mind racing even when I do find time to sleep. To say that I’m emotionally involved is an understatement and the drive and passion riding on its coattails is unparalleled.
But, even still, I know I’m not the owner of this. I know this business does not belong to me, no matter how much blood I pour into it. This is God’s deal and has been from the start. He will dictate when the time is right to get on a vendor list and He will orchestrate that induction in such a way that leaves little doubt Whose signature is on the wall behind it. He is my Daddy and my position in this relationship is kneeling at the foot of the cross, thanking Him for every piece of daily bread we are able to taste. And I will sing of His goodness vendor list or not.
Praise God for the timely blessings pictured below. His ways are higher than mine and worthy of complete surrender.
