For about a week now I have been in deep contemplation. So much so that I have had several individuals ask me if I am in a world of my own. The answer is, no. Sometimes I may appear somewhat absent minded but the truth is I have been carefully reviewing this year, the future of my family, and the future of the business. I am still learning to implement work/life balance. That's a constant struggle and something that is always on my improvement list.
For many of us artsy people (who will likely agree) new ideas don't always come at 9 AM - like I am writing now. Some of my best business ideas and new artistic improvements come at 3 AM or just before a shoot. My wife seems to think that it has something to do with REM (Rapid Eye Movement) but when I am at rest I tend to get these amazing thoughts for taking life/business to the next level. I have the need to write down these ideas immediately because the fleeting thoughts are usually gone if I wait.
And so the peace that surpasses all my understanding for me is how I have been able to still operate recently with such calmness in spite of adversity. Four examples just yesterday:
1.
Maturity. I received a call yesterday that a recent publication failed to include my proper credit for Ross Oscar Knight Photography on one of my images. Most people would be outraged. I used to be. Instead I am thankful that I have been prepared for these issues. Because of proper legal agreements and through my maturity in business I didn't bat an eye. The situation will be worked out with a mere phone call.
2.
Preparedness. Yesterday I had an engagement session to shoot. The weird weather patterns of the storm lurking in the Gulf Coast have caused Atlanta to have an hourly toss up between sunshine and rain. We were supposed to start shooting early in the morning but the rain started pouring. No problem because for years I have always come to a shoot with at least 2 - 3 alternate locations should the weather go bad, colors be out of wack, lighting not be ideal, clients be uncomfortable, etc. (
experience KNIGHT Workshop past attendees know what we call this). We had an amazing shoot and I found myself extremely happy with the beautiful images I captured of the couple.
3.
Technology. After two years of nearly perfect operation my 17" Mac Book Pro is in need of serious maintenance. I pretty much work that sucker to death. Yesterday the computer had some issues that I really wanted to fix on my own. I soon realized that I needed to take it to the professionals. I'll admit that I was bummed for a while and resorted to watching the closing ceremonies for the Olympics but I ended up using one of my two other machines. I can always keep up with my clients' info because of my insistence to back up weekly and the additional computers in the office. An important note - you should not build your business on Technology Accelerators alone (another
workshop topic). For more on this topic check out the book, Good To Great by Jim Collins.
4.
Patience. Its no secret from the Quarterly published check up that the Dr. Mrs. and I are looking for a new home. We went out yesterday to look and everything we saw was like twice as much as we could afford. Wishful thinking - maybe - will we get there - absolutely! Our trip to view homes forced me to think that in this current economy and housing market decline we are so blessed to have our current home and to live comfortably with all of our basic necessities. What God has for us will be for us and I know that patience will move us to the next level in our lives together.
The biblical lesson that continues to nudge me is - if you can be faithful over just a few things you will be blessed with even more abundance. If you can be content with your current blessings, the people that "need" to be in your life, and where God has already brought you from - your faithfulness will be rewarded.
I understand that so many of you have been able to go back to January 2007 on this blog and watch my growth as a man, a business owner, a husband, and as a servant. Some have known me even longer and remember the birth of my business in 2003 and the tremendous growth over the past five years. Whatever the case, thanks for reading and praying with me. To my clients (past, current, and future) thanks for allowing me to be myself and for not being judgmental just because some of our beliefs differ.
Have a great week and remember to give thanks.
- KNIGHT
The Peace That Surpasses All My Understanding
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