my business is overflowing with opportunities - Motivation Monday
MY BUSINESS IS OVERFLOWING WITH OPPORTUNITIES
This week I am changing things up a little. Instead of bible quotes, I have chosen quotes from some of the most respected saints. These quotes are to help you in the same way - to motivate you throughout the week. Remember, saints were humans just like you and me. Sinners, imperfect, normal people. It was the decisions they made and the opportunities they took that set them apart from others.
MONDAY
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
We sometimes think of opportunities as some big obvious thing, when in reality, they are usually small. Hidden. Subtle. Every small action can turn into a huge opportunity, but only if you are open to it. It can start with the smallest of sacrifices with the purest of hearts.
TUESDAY
“Professional work is also an apostolate, an opportunity to give ourselves to others, to reveal Christ to them and lead them to God the Father.”
Your business is just as important as your personal life. You are able to serve so many more and different people. How awesome is that? You can evangelize even more! Take every opportunity you can to show others the beauty of God, the beauty of love. It doesn't even have to be obvious - a simple kind gesture, asking how their day has been, giving them grace with a mistake, or even asking if you can pray with them when you can see they are struggling greatly. Use your business as a way to seek out opportunities to love and show God's love.
WEDNESDAY
“Everyone works in the service of man. We doctors work directly on man himself…The great mystery of man is Jesus: ‘He who visits a sick person, helps me,’ Jesus said… Just as the priest can touch Jesus, so do we touch Jesus in the bodies of our patients… We have opportunities to do good that the priest doesn’t have. Our mission is not finished when medicines are no longer of use. We must bring the soul to God; our word has some authority…Catholic doctors are so necessary!”
So, you ask "How does this quote about Catholic doctors apply to me?" Well, I am so glad you asked! While it's true most of us aren't doctors, or even medical providers, we are members of society and children of God, just like they are. While we don't necessarily help people heal in the same way doctors do, we can still help heal people. How? Like in yesterday's quote, we can help by showing them God's love. Everyone has a role, a special job that only they can do. Priests are amazing humans, called to the religious life, with special jobs and duties they are responsible for. We as business owners, have our own callings, where we can show people our love, God's love, help them, Our words have power, authority, and healing. We are necessary!!
THURSDAY
“If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness.”
We cannot possibly expect to thrive and gain new opportunities if we aren't open to them. Open your eyes, open your hearts, be ready to go outside your comfort zone. Be ready to explore! Ask, "How will you talk to me today, Lord?" And then listen!!! Be eager, be ready, be willing. God has amazing things in store for us!
FRIDAY
“It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”
So far, these quotes have emphasized the physical exertion aspect - the actual action and task. What is equally important is the intent behind the actions. Are you doing these actions, taking these opportunities in good faith? With a pure heart? Or is it with selfish intent? Spirit of faith matters.
SATURDAY
“In times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of practicing virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give pleasure to Jesus; for instance a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem extinct I would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would rekindle.”
Oof! This is a heavy one, and it may seem a little out of place in a newsletter meant for motivation. But part of motivation is acknowledging reality. Sometimes, we don't feel motivated at all. Sometimes, we are in a rut and we have no idea how to get out. Sometimes, we feel hopeless. And that's okay! We are human, and we will all have ups and downs. When you're in a rut, you seek fewer opportunities. You seek less, you do less. But fear not! Trust in Him. Trust that God will bring you back, rekindling your joy and heart and love for life. If you are finding that opportunities have stalled out, as God to help you. Tell Him that you love Him and ask your Father for help!!! He will help you, little by little. Have faith!
SUNDAY
“Act and God will act, work and He will work.”
As we finish off the week.....we go back to faith. Act with a pure heart, seek, and God will do His work. Trust in Him. Seek out the opportunity to let the Holy Spirit work, and you will reap the benefits! Start small, but start. You've got this!
So as you proceed through this week...
... how will you work towards being a saint? We are all called to be saints...it's up to you to accept those opportunities into your life!
