Putting Anything Into the World is Scary but Taking Action is How We Grow
Putting anything out into the world feels vulnerable. I remember when I first opened my Etsy shop. I wanted to make insulated bags to carry EpiPens. I wanted the bags to be highly identifiable in case of an emergency. I have a severe peanut allergy, and at one point needed a stranger to find and administer my EpiPen for me. It was the most terrifying moment of my life. So I decided after that, since I know how to sew, that perhaps I would open an Etsy shop and sell Allergy Bags. I remember brainstorming what the bag would look like. I did not really know what I was doing. I wanted the materials to be durable, and I needed the bag to be insulated. So I experimented with a few prototypes, and once I had one that was decent, I put it up on Etsy. I remember the feeling so well of putting my first listing up. I felt silly and exposed. What if no one likes this product? I am a fool to even think that anyone would buy this bag. It’s not great. It looks so amateur. To get a sale, I offered a buy one bag, get one free to the first five customers. Lo and behold, one week later, I received my first sale. A sweet woman from Germany had purchased the bag. I was so excited and equally terrified. I wanted the bags I sent her to be perfect. To be the very best they could be. And the truth was, what I sent her was mediocre. Not because I didn’t do my absolute best, I did. I took my time to make them as perfectly as I could. I sewed white felt crosses onto the front of the red canvas bags with as much precision as an amateur sewer could. I sewed a clear vinyl pouch onto the front of each bag to store medical information. The bags certainly had a “homemade” feel to them, and I knew it. But they were true to the photos I had on the website, and so this woman knew what to expect. There would be no surprises. I wrote a handmade card to her, wrapped the package in tissue paper and ribbon, and sent the bags along in the mail. After about a week and a half, I received the most beautiful 5-star review from this woman. She was so sweet and complimentary. She said the bags were exactly what she was looking for. I was thrilled and a little surprised.
Five years into selling on Etsy, my bags look nothing like those original bags I made. They have evolved and perfected over time. But I realize now that this is just an inevitable part of life. We have to put things out into the world, risking vulnerability and criticism if we are ever to grow. It’s terrifying of course but the best and only way to learn and grow is to do. I was just listening to a podcast by Tim Keller who is just about my favorite pastor on any subject. He was going through a sermon series on the book of Proverbs and mentioned that in Proverbs 16:3, the verse that everyone quotes reads “commit to the Lord whatever you DO, and your plans will be established.” He was emphasizing that often we read this verse and think we plan and then we do. But it’s actually quite the opposite. We do, in faith and God will guide us as we go. I think of the verse in Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you Do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not for men.” These verses are so helpful to me as an over-thinker, and over-analyzer. I am the analysis paralysis type. However, just like my Etsy shop, I am learning the best growth comes only from doing. Yes, it’s hard and not perfect. Yes, it’s scary and vulnerable, but there isn’t a shortcut. There is no way around it. So whatever it is that you are struggling with today, perhaps a little action will help. It might be scary, and you may not know what you are doing, but the Lord will guide you as you go. So go :)
