I BROKE IT…NOW WHAT?!?

I BROKE IT…NOW WHAT?!?

This week my computer completely failed on me. I was putting together the final details for the “Sit & Stay” soft launch that was supposed to run today and my computer had other plans. Somehow, I completely BROKE MY COMPUTER! 

If you know me this shouldn’t come to a complete surprise. I am quite terrible with technology (seriously, I sometimes wonder if I was born in the wrong generation…I know that isn’t true). 

Until this issue can be resolved, I ask myself…now what?

Here’s what I can’t do until I get my software back and running: I can’t print on demand any new product or create any new cards. So the “Sit & Stay” Collection will be announced soon!

Here’s what I can do. I can..

 

…still fulfill commissions requests, learn more about my home paintings and bridal bouquet paintings here. 

 

…sell any existing cards that we have in stock (maybe work on putting together a little sale for you??)

…still continue to build on the “Sit & Stay” Collection by painting more. 

…dive into the next major collection that I have been dreaming up. 

…educate myself on new sale avenues for my art 

…study up on more business skills

…work ahead on marketing

…do so many things STILL!

Just because things aren’t going according to plan, there are still so many other things that I can keep on pushing through. You know, I had this thought today as I was tempted to throw a pity party due to this computer saga. I’ll set the scene for you: My son was taking his nap, I was getting a little stir crazy (it was mid afternoon and I still hadn’t even stepped outside). There was a temptation for me to just not do anything. I wanted to take advantage of not having my computer and use it as an excuse to take the time off until the issue was resolved. So what did I do? 

Honestly, you guys, I got on my knees and repented. Right at the kitchen table. My watercolors were out on the kitchen table aka my work desk, and I was trying to convince myself that I should just give myself a pass?? 

Why did I get on my knees? Well, at first I was praying for motivation. And then, in turn I got convicted of how ungrateful I was acting. First off, I had a napping baby! Let’s not forget that. I have been gifted with this incredibly special opportunity to still be at home with our son while having the flexibility to work from home, now that is HUGE. Second, the Lord has given me talents which allow me to provide a source of income that my family needs. I was going to let one broken computer give me the excuse to not steward my responsibilities? I was being plain, downright, selfish. 

 

So do you know what happened next? I worked hard. I kept on painting, when I ran out of ideas, I kept thinking of more. And this time, with a whole lot more gratitude in my heart. To be honest, I have no idea what those paintings will be used for, but I do know that my heart attitude has changed after this. Through my initial reaction of just wanting a pass and to be lazy, I realized how self-centered I was acting and have been acting. By the Lords grace, I believe He allowed me to go through this to recognize that my motivation was more me-centered and that of course it should be other-centered. What I’m doing isn’t for self-glorification, it is to bring glory to God. My work isn’t for me, it is to bring joy and encouragement to you, my work is for my husband, for my son, for organizations like Family Hope, and Lord-willing I’ll continue to grow to be able to spread more to many others. 

 

Just like one small brush stroke, it’s hard to see the full picture. Especially when it seems like a color “off palette” was added to the picture. But I will continue to move forward, one brush stroke at a time. Trusting in the picture that the ultimate artist already has put together. This all reminds me of a Bible verse I have been committing to memory from Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act.” This specific verse say’s “way” not “way’s.” All I am asked to do is commit one “way” at a time. Just like one brush stroke at a time. 

 

From the Bungalow,

Emma

P.S. A big shout out to my husband for taking care of his computer from college to help keep me rolling until we get things figured out:)