Friday, January 25, 2013

What are the Pearls in your life?

At leadership conference Rich told us a story of a man who received a pearl in a beautifully packaged box.  He spent so much time admiring the wrapping he neglected to notice that it was hosting a pearl. Sometimes we don't realize we have pearls until it's too late. He encouraged us to think  about the pearls and the packaging in our own lives. About the things that really matter, that we'll treasure at the end of our lives. And about the things that distract us from recognizing those treasures.

This really hit me as I thought about my own life and my business. There is a lot of fun "packaging" around my business, all the cool stuff I collect and play with, all the fun perks, making money, the events and being recognized by Stampin' Up... They really make things so fun. I love being "too busy" having lots on my plate, always rushing ahead to the next thing, setting goals, trying new things.

But when I think about what I truly value in my life, it's the people... my husband, my children, my family, my friends... the people my work brings me into contact with. I get to sit (often in my own home or theirs!) and share in peoples' lives... I get to see them at their happiest, playing and creating and visiting with friends. We share so, so, much more than stamping and card-making!  These women share in my highs and lows, and I share in theirs. I think there is such a wonderful energy created when women are together in a positive environment. Such honesty and kindness. Sharing of experience, faith, humor, anxiety and encouragement. Every single day my life is blessed by the women I spend time with, either face to face or online.

If you're reading this then I want to thank you for being a pearl in my life. I hope that our relationship may continue through the stages of our lives and whether you are crafting with me or not! I am truly blessed by knowing each of you.

Sincerely, Brenda

10 comments:

  1. Brenda, your words completely state how I have been feeling lately! I was not able to attend Leadership and heard about the "pearls" but until I read your post I did not realize the full meaning. Thank you for your thoughts and the wonderful way your expressed them!

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    1. Thank you Sharon, I have a feeling that everybody who heard Rich's talk may have heard something slightly different! I loved his talk though and it's helping me figure out some priorities. Love the pics of your new grandbaby!! :-)

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  2. I whole heartedly agree and this is the way I feel too. God bless you I am sure we have rubbed shoulders and traded a few cards. As I read your letter those words are some of the very words I had told one of my downlines who didn't get to go to Leadership. I admire people that always try to inspire rather than be negative or look at the bad side of things. Stampin' UP! means so much more to most of us than just the packaging and I am proud to say I belong. Thank you so much I am sure you have inspired many with our positive outlook and thinking

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    1. Thank you Debi, I hope to bump into you one of these days!

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    2. I will be at the Dallas Regional and was just at the Leadership in Orlando.

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    3. I won't be in Dallas but I'm looking forward to convention!!

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  3. Brenda - you are also a pearl in the lives and hearts of so many around you. Thank you for being one of my pearls. And for so eloquently putting it into words! God Bless, ~Cynthia <><

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  4. You are one of the pearls that has come out of this crafting journey! Love ya!

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    1. Julie, I think about you so often on this journey. You are truly a pearl!!! <3 <3 <3

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