Growing up on the farm, we had to say good-bye to many animals. We would fall in love with the kitties and anticipate seeing them upon our arrival to the barn every day. Inevitably though, and almost always we would one day arrive to find the kitties gone because Petunia or some other bovine had laid down with kitties underneath and our hearts would break. Again .
...Love hurts...
(and we really did this:)
Who knew that when I had a dream to open my little shop that I would have eight great years of shopping for, displaying and selling home-decorating goods, but that the best part would be spending time with the people who came in to visit?And who knew that when the day came to close the shop (albeit that I will have future sales but not this location and not the same opportunities to connect with people as I have here) that it would feel like a tearing away from loved ones? ...and there would be tears in the tearing?
I have faced this final week with some anxiety in how to navigate the emotions of my own heart as well as manage the disappointment in my loyal customers who have come to rely on Bittersweet Farm being an available stop in their journey of life. (and our loss of mutual friendship, as limited as it has been with our brief but meaningful encounters)
They are wishing me well, which I full expected from such beautiful people, but their disappointment does weigh on my heart.
Little did I know that my life would be so enriched by them. Little did I know that it wasn't really about the things we decorate with as much as the camaraderie of our desires to make our homes a blessed place to keep and entertain our families and friends.
So. My heart is full. I am so grateful for this opportunity, so thankful for the people who I have been able to connect with, and sometimes in deeper ways than I thought possible in 'a little gift-shop on a farm'.
I have hugged with encouragement, prayed for blessing, cried with sorrow, and laughed with joy in my little building. I have been rich in people-love and more rich in coming to know God's amazing love in giving me such love-wealth here.
So to my customers, THANK YOU for your kindness, and for bringing me such joy! I am so very glad that God put you in my life and the blessing you have been to me. Be sure if you are on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest that you connect with me over there-------->
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so I can keep you posted!
Two more days of 40% off
Friday and Saturday 10-4
Closing Saturday
June 9th at 4:00pm