Starting the project was a blast. First, I was excited about the end result; and second (and perhaps more importantly) I had a reason to break out my chainsaw, cut down a bunch of trees, and burn stuff! Years ago, I had decided to build a barn and that I would do it myself. As I considered the project, while daunting, it would provide me with a ton of firewood after clearing the trees, (As Henry Ford said: "If you chop your own wood, you'll heat yourself twice."), an outlet for my childish inability to sit still for five minutes, a place to store all my tools, a reason to buy more, and a project that I could entice friends to help with (suckers!).
After a few weeks of clearing, leveling, prepping the ground, and bringing in the proper amounts of rock to produce a solid foundation it was time to start digging footers. About this time I realized a few things. First, my timing wasn't great because winter had set in, and digging in frozen rock and clay isn't much fun. Second, it's hard work, a big project, and a slow process. Because I have no patience, I found myself getting frustrated that I wasn't further along. I had to set small goals for each week in order to keep my emotional momentum high. And lastly, not everyone was as exuberant about the project as I was. I did have several friends help from time to time which was awesome, but those cold nights after work and early weekend mornings by myself required an extra commitment to just do the work, even though I felt alone, tired, and at times wondering if it would ever get done.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the word begin..."
When the Israelites were freed from captivity in Babylon and called back to Jerusalem, it took over 20 years to build the temple. God had to encourage them to not get frustrated and that he delights to see his people just do the work they were called to do, even if the fruits of that labor would take a while. There would be ridicule, doubt, attacks, and internal battles along the way...just like building your business, or anything else significant for that matter, it takes time, but start...and keep going.
Right now, you are digging footers in frozen rock and hard clay. It is hard, hurts sometimes, slow, and you begin to wonder what it's all for. Keep digging!
You are battling moments of doubt, market resistance and limitations, competition, and for many, mother nature as well. Keep digging!
The Lord rejoices in seeing the work begin. It's in these small beginnings that solid foundations are formed and significant results are achieved. Most people would quit, but quitting is not an option. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, win one day at a time.
The barn did ultimately get finished and I must say, turned out better than expected...I just hope it's still standing!!