Rejoice always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
When this pandemic began, I started seeing posts about everything people were going to accomplish while they were quarantined at home, unable to work – clean out all the closets, finally get rid of those old clothes, learn a new language, pick up a new hobby. I admittedly got mad. While everyone was beginning to find respite at home, my world was picking up steam. Everyone else was finding rest, and time off was nowhere on my radar. I became jealous of all those getting to take a break and plotted with other “essential workers” about “our turn.” I wasn’t really thoughtful of the anxiety, stress, and restlessness those out of work were facing, seeing only the good in someone else’s situation.
Traditionally, my company offers four in-person trainings per year in Bakersfield, CA. About 100 IT business owners from around the world fly in to learn how to better sell IT, market for new customers, and operate their businesses more profitably. Our last in-person event concluded March 15, right before shut down recommendations when we all thought this would be a blip in the radar.
I stood in the hallway and told my boss that I could get maybe 40 people at the next in-person event scheduled for May because people were beginning to be afraid to fly, and we didn’t know what was next. Instead, I suggested that we pivot to a virtual event. I anticipated maybe 300 people. He begrudgingly agreed, and we set to work. Hundreds of hours of work.
1,500 registrations, a brand-new training platform, and a successful 5-day event later, we were so proud of what we were able to accomplish. At first, I was still mad. I felt like there was really no rest for the weary. Then I got to thinking. I am truly blessed. My work was deemed essential. We created and proved out a concept for events in roughly 6 weeks that was infinitely more profitable and revenue-generating than our in-person events. I didn’t have to spend 16 hours a day with a grin plastered to my face being the “hostess with the mostest” (those involved in events, I’m sure you get this). When put in the right perspective, all this work was really the best thing that could have ever happened for us. It was all a matter of shifting gears.
Some call it making lemonade out of lemons. Others can quote this scripture from Thessalonians. I say, “find the good.” My mom says, “choose happiness.” Yep, there’s certainly days when it feels like the grass is greener for other people; but we are all blessed in unique ways. As we’re continuing to plow forward into the unknown every day, let’s seek that blessing.
Emalee Sugano
Lord, May we find the good in whatever situation we find ourselves in. Sometimes, that good is buried deep; but may we ever put our trust in you. Even if the moment is miserable, there will be Your good, Your presence, and Your peace with us always. Amen.