Monday, June 29, 2009

How Do You Measure Success?

When we returned home yesterday I was feeling a bit deflated. It had been a long day, the smell of bratwurst was making me sick, and my feet were killing me. I knew our day had not been as profitable as I'd hoped and as I sat down to count the cash I wasn't feeling like much of a success. I was praying we'd make enough for half of a plane ticket - last year we had made $700 and $400 on our brat frys. After counting out $231 I was thinking that this day had been a bust! We didn't even make enough for 1/4 of a plane ticket to Ghana...sigh.

After a nice steamy shower and a meal other than bratwurst, I decided the day had actually been a huge success - maybe not financially - but in other ways:
  • God blessed us with beautiful weather - the sun was shining and there was a cool breeze blowing all day long!
  • Jeff, Delaney & I got to spend the day together!
  • We had the ability and the resources to have a fundraiser!
  • We got to visit with many friends & family who came to show their support!
  • We got to meet someone new from Junction City who follows our blog!
  • We had the opportunity to talk with someone who had volunteered several weeks in Zambia and Malawi!
  • We are $231 closer to our Ghana trip than we were the day before!

All of those things made for a very successful day indeed.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

6 comments:

Bill and Christina said...

I like how you choose to see things!

Christina

Amanda said...

That's a great attitude, Stephanie!

And as an encouragement, as we were raising Haiti money, it seemed as though people just needed to see us out there, working hard toward our goal and it made them give more...even if it was a check later, after the fundraiser. Who knows what God will use to bless you immensely!

Besides, HE sees your efforts and knows your heart. I'm so happy for you as you move closer to your court date. May God speed.

Continue to pray for us. The days are becoming harder.

Kathy Eden said...

That's true Stephanie...so glad that you see the positives...and you never know...your total may not be set yet! God sometimes gives us more afterwards if our hearts & attitudes are right.

CG said...

Amen, sister! And isn't it AMAZING what a shower can do for one's perspective? Praise God for all His blessings!

Katy said...

What a wonderful thing to see God giving blessings, even when things don't turn out as planned..

The Gang's Momma! said...

Good for you. What a blessing, to be so refreshed and able to see things differently than your "flesh" originally saw them!