It’s taken me a bit to sit down and process through my experience at the Making Things Happen Intensive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Walking into MTH, I had absolutely NO idea what to anticipate, and I’m so glad that was the case. On a whim last December, I decided to purchase my Mom and I tickets to the conference as her Christmas present – with no expectations except a sweet girl’s trip together!
I entered into our time at the conference unsure, somewhat heavy and burdened by the unknown of the future – and I walked away feeling overwhelmingly refreshed with such a clear vision and purpose for where and who God has called me to be.
It’s not that Making Things Happen figures it out for you – it’s that they equip you to figure out the things that truly MATTER in your life and help you break down the steps to make those purposeful things happen.
Questions and thoughts like, “Where do I want to be when I’m 80?” “What kind of woman do I want to become?” filled my heart and my mind – and “what are the steps I need to take now to make that happen?” The answers impact me personally more than they do my business. Yet this business is just an extension of who I am. The more I work on my character and priorities personally, the better daughter, sister, friend, mentor, Sunday school teacher, business owner, etc., I can be. It’s such a simple yet profound truth!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the here and now. It’s easy to get distracted by things that are petty and don’t have eternal impact. Sometimes this world can be stifling. There’s always something to do, somewhere to go, someone to respond to. The opportunity to have two days to breathe (phone free!! I know. It’s the best thing ever) was exhilarating. My heart left feeling lighter. And whenever the silly burdens of this world start to feel heavy again, I remember. I remember what truly matters. Because here’s reality: Social media won’t matter when I’m 80. What I wear and where I buy it won’t matter. Whether people like me or think I’m a great photographer won’t matter. But what will? My family and the relationships I’ve cultivated with them throughout my life will matter. The Lord and His word will still matter. The people I’ve met and the way I made them feel – that will matter.
It takes work not to slip back into old routines and thought processes. But it’s inspiring to think about where I want to be – who I want to be – and the reason I’m doing the things I’m doing now. If you’ve never been to Making Things Happen and have been considering going… go. Seriously. I truly feel like it’s something every person should experience. Who knows, it could potentially alter the entire course of your existence. ;) And it most definitely will not be a waste of your one beautiful and precious life.
Much love,
Jessica Lauren
Look at those beautiful babies!!!
Special thanks to Robyn Van Dyke for all the beautiful photos of the conference! With a few obvious phone photos snuck in between. :)
