Change perspective - see something new
A change of perspective can often lead to seeing something new. That's what happened to me a few days ago when I met up with friends shortly after arriving in Switzerland, where I'm giving a swing seminar from tomorrow. Because we hadn't seen each other for 18 months, I was asked by various friends about the ship project - and of course I told them.
When I went back to my accommodation - a small granny flat with friends with a wonderful view of the mountains - I suddenly realised something.
- In August 2013, the ship was 1/3 finished and I was broke. The entire planned budget had been used up.
- In August 2014 I'm still broke, but the ship is now about 2/3 finished!
- For being broke a year ago, I've come a long way.
The last sentence really amazed me. I am amazed...at my friends who have helped in so many ways. And also about my God, how he has carried me through to this point. Without any big buffers or safety zones - but enough to cover all my expenses so far. And without the ship or I sinking. I still have weak knees when I think about what lies ahead. But you can walk with soft knees. Shaky, perhaps, but you can make progress.
That's a very nice thought, dear Kerstin.
It's great that, despite all the difficulties and financial challenges, you never lose sight of what you have already achieved or what God has given you. Or perhaps our wonderful Father in heaven will always give you the right thoughts at the right time to encourage you, comfort you, build you up and keep you going, especially on difficult days.
Keep it up, in a year's time at the latest you'll certainly have completed the last third and even if you then say again: „I'm broke“, that may describe the financial situation, but in terms of experiences, encounters, relationships... you'll be MUCH RICHER than ever before. And don't forget, you'll have a ready-made SHIP!
If someone builds a house, he is also broke afterwards or has to pay off debts for decades, so you are pretty rich with your ship :-)
Kind regards
Anette
Thank you, dear Annette....that's beautiful what you write...I still have a lot of debt too...but I'll take care of that when the ship is finished...your thoughts are beautiful. And yes, I am VERY rich.
I'm glad you like my thoughts.
Have a good week in Switzerland, where I'm sure you'll be able to encourage and inspire lots of people again. And a little break from shipbuilding will certainly do you good too. Enjoy the days...
And hopefully the seminar will be well attended, so that the Swiss can contribute a little to make it easier to finance the last third of the ship :-)
Kind regards
Anette (the one with an „n“ :-) from Swabia)
Thanks for the good wishes...and yes, it's really good not to build a boat for a change...although I took one for a ride today and could hardly take my eyes off some rusty spots that desperately needed work!
I don't earn anything from the seminar here - apart from the books I sell - it's a kind of holiday with morning devotions and an evening programme that I organise...but it's been really nice so far. Tomorrow is the last day.