 This may seem a bit fickle. I’ve decided to close the doors of my business, My Own Front Porch Web Design, LLC. I’ve been in business since 2006. It was a successful venture on all counts. I made some money (more than I ever made working outside the home), I learned a lot (I do not have any plans to stop learning), and I helped a lot of small businesses get on the cybermap, not to mention the many acquaintances who now know how to do a mail merge, edit a photo, hook up their printer, etc.!
All said and done, it was a successful venture…until you factor in my family. They are wonderful to have allowed me to see what I can do out there in the business world. Thanks guys! I can chalk up an accomplishment; but at what price?
A few months back I unofficially closed my doors; but like any habit that isn’t vigilantly disposed of (permanently), it crept back in slowly, unannounced. I soon found myself telling people, "Sure! I can do that for you. Well, I’ll consider it. Well yes, I quit, but I’m thinking of easing back in." Before I knew it, I was right back on the wagon.
Let’s consider why I was trying to quit in the first place. I needed to spend more time with my kids. We’re homeschoolers. Four of my five children are still living at home with me…and expecting to be taught…something! My husband has a great job, albeit ministry…we CAN survive on his income alone, if we're very careful to be good stewards.
What things did I give up to have a business here at home? Time with my kids was a definite loss! I found myself constantly proclaiming, ‘Please go away, I have a deadline! I’ll be back soon, I have to meet with a client. Can you make supper tonight honey? I’m right in the middle of this account.’ Availability to my husband was also a casualty. Whether it was my attentive ear, some words of encouragement or my help with a project that he needed, I was sorely lacking in this arena.
No one complained! Well…the kids did a little. They put forth a noble effort to support mom. But, it’s hard for their little hearts to fathom this unreasonable interruption to their daily routines. Hubby didn’t complain much either. After all, my business was creating a healthy balance in the cash flow department.
 If a change of heart seems frivolous, then consider this an enlightening. God whispered in my ear, ‘For what purpose did I create you? What is the desire that I’ve placed in your heart? How long do you think those kids are going to be this age? How are you glorifying Me?’ The verses of my life have all fizzled away almost to a vapor of their former selves. Titus 2:3-5 My sole longing in life has always been to be AT HOME! Proverbs 31:10 Where did SHE go? I used to strive for a ‘quiet and gentle spirit’…pffft...out the window!
Crowding out these verses were my own misrepresentations of the Word. ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat. (2 Thess. 3:10) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Col 3:23) Lazy people who want much get little, but those who work hard will prosper. (Prov. 13:4)
These verses are the ones I’m hearing now. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28) He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matt. 13:9) He who sows righteousness, reaps a sure reward. (Prov. 11:18) Especially this one…The cares of this world choke the Word and (s)he becomes unfruitful. (Matt. 13:22) Of course, I’ve placed my own emphasis on all of these verses.
All I’ve EVER wanted to do is be a wife and mom and STAY HOME! I have the luxury of being able to do so. My dreams are HERE and now. My life is just how I always dreamed it could be! Why on earth would I want to give that up for a business? I’ve been blessed with five children to nurture, teach and enjoy; a wonderful husband who cares about me and his kids, but most of all loves the Lord; a house to call HOME (albeit temporary…the final destination makes this pale in comparison), and a love for the Lord that allows me to hear His still, small voice.
No, everything is not perfect. I didn’t expect that. It won’t be perfect until I get to Heaven. But I MUST use the gifts God has given me for my time here on earth to glorify Him. What better way than to raise a family that glorifies Him too! The business can wait. If it is never fully resurrected (after the kids are grown and gone), so be it!
I’m taking final steps to fully sever ties to my business. The website (www.myownfrontporch.com) is coming down. The business license is being discontinued (legally). And the office is being redesigned to better accommodate our HOME lifestyle.
I look forward to further developing this site as it is all about us, not my business. Thanks for stopping by and listening to my heart.
-Tammy (Wife to one very supportive husband and mom to five great kids, and a child of the Almighty...here at HOME!)
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