“It’s Not Personal. It’s Just Business.”
My prayer journal entry from March 22nd, 2021
“It’s not personal. It’s just business” is one of the worst phrases in the business world.
I know a lot of people that have said this. Let’s be honest… because you are dealing with people, it will always be personal. It’s particularly tough when someone says this to me because I have always valued relationships over “the deal.”
I strive to love my neighbor…
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Monday, March 22nd 2021 10:07p Laying in bed
Jesus,
I just reread my prayer from almost a year ago on March 25th. This time last year I was waiting, unsure of what was going to unfold and I find myself there again. Waiting. Thinking about what offers may or may not come in on the property over the next couple of weeks.
[The “call for offers” on our commercial property had been made public. Over the next couple of weeks we would wait to see what would come in.]
Though I’d love to sell at a high price, “reset”, exit scooter world, I’m at peace with whatever your answer is. I know you know what is best for me and I’m confident in that. I just pray that there will not be an overwhelming amount of stress related to cash flow, paying bills, etc.
If your answer is “stay in the business longer” I’ll trust you every step and I’ll work extremely hard. I’ll always want to make you proud and steward this the best I can for you. For some reason, my gut keeps telling me (which I know is you nudging me) that locking the door and walking away is not the answer. Shrinking, streamlining is, however. LORD - as always, I just ask that you make your plan perfectly clear.
[I think it is common for people to ask the LORD to make His plans clear. In my prayer journal, I’ve prayed this over and over and I’m sure I will continue to do so, but in my reflections I’ve come to understand that the LORD doesn’t show us His entire plan because if He did, then we would be less likely to lean in and depend on Him. The LORD wants us to take the next step in FAITH and trust His plan. It will be revealed in time.]
[Our commercial property neighbors] raised their price on their property next door to $3.75 million. I think they are trying to manipulate me in some way, but I will just trust that you will take care of them [meaning that I know God’s plan is better than my own]. I know you have my back. I know that they are your children too so I pray for them. I pray for the well-being of their families. I pray that their hearts will be softened.
[Our neighbors commercial property had been listed on the market prior to our call for offers for $1 million or so less. After more thought, I think they were trying to jump on the opportunity that if someone did make me an offer on our property, the buyer would probably be interested in acquiring their property as well, thus they might get more for theirs.
I have had some differences with our neighbors in the past, which is why it came up in my prayer in the first place. My initial instinct was that maybe they were trying to manipulate me in some way. Ultimately, I realized they were just looking out for their interests.
One of the hardest things to do is to pray for those that you don’t see eye to eye with. I challenge myself to do this regularly.]
Today, the shop had more energy. I was busier and it looked like [team member] was stressed. I pray that our small team will figure this out, manage efficiently, take care of customers well and not be overly stressed. I’m grateful for a busier shop, but don’t want my team to burn out. Help me take care of them.
Thank you. Love you.
Collin
Today’s final thoughts…
How can you pray for those that aren’t necessarily for you and are against you?
Romans 8:31 NIV
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Matthew 5:44 NIV
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Surround yourself with godly people. The LORD sends us out into this “me first” world and in business that means I’m navigating a world filled with deceit, greed, and a plethora of idols. Being able to seek wisdom from those that know the LORD has helped me make healthy decisions as I steward the things that belong to the LORD.
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