You would’ve thought that Jitney’s Journeys had been announced as the Top 100 young businesses to watch. We were that excited. The honor was basically the equivalent for us. As far as we know, this is the first list (outside of Etsy treasuries) that someone has recognized Jitney’s Journeys in some form or another for our products. [We should really put a marketing strategy in place for 2014.]
AL.com included Jitney’s Journeys in “The Best of Etsy, Huntsville Edition” earlier this week. We were one of twelve companies featured. Even though we’re the last photo in the list, our placemat photo headlined for the article when the author posted to Facebook. That counts for something, right? We wouldn’t have even known about it if it had not been for my sweet friend Rebekah who texted me with, “Jitney’s Journeys was featured on AL.com!!!!” Haha!
This announcement fueled me.
I began writing out 2014 goals (personal and for business), class lists, mixed media ideas, even Christmas products for next year’s line, all in the midst of finishing current orders for Christmas.
Encouragement fuels us to move forward faster and with more stamina, a clearer mind.
I keep a file of encouraging letters and emails from past customers (doesn’t everybody?).
Those letters and emails fuel me.
You know why?
Because those letters and emails… and even this article… they’re not about us.
The majority of the letters and emails include gratitude, not as much about the placemats or the actual product. The words of gratitude are targeted toward the small piece of cardstock we include in every package with a peacock feather on one side and a verse on the other:
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
It is so not about us.
This article... that was Jesus. As far as we're concerned, Jesus led her to our page and that's the only explanation of her finding us in order to announce us as a "Best of" candidate.
Jitney’s Journeys was featured.
While, yes, it is “our” company; it’s first and foremost Jesus’ company.
That’s the reason we can boast (1 Cor. 1:31).
It is not about us, has never been about us, and never will be about us.
It’s about Jesus and bringing glory and praise to His name.
If we ever lose focus of that, it is our daily prayer that He will take it away from us.
He’s the reason we have what we have - from talent to skill to creativity to tangible materials to accolades.
He’s the Creator, the Lifeline, and the Sustainer of our marriage and our business.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. (Romans 11:36)
