You Just Don’t Know

Ivan Ray’s made its debut as a vendor on Dec. 5th and 6th at a Whatever Ministry’s Christmas Boutique Bash. Even though I’m not a typical boutique, it was a great experience as we gained a lot of knowledge concerning booth setup and decor. I’d been extremely nervous for weeks leading up to the event, but felt confident as the event began Saturday morning. That confidence turned into disappointment as we really didn’t get much traffic or any sales during the first of three sessions that Saturday and Sunday. Fortunately, God reminded me why Ivan Ray’s began. It was to be an inspiration to people. We actually had great conversations with a few people. There was a lady that bought the ‘How I Fight My Battles’ shirt that told me “You just don’t know” as she talked about things in her life. As she said that, I looked at my wife and daughter. At that exact moment, I almost said “This time two years ago, we were divorced with no thoughts of getting back together.” I also remembered praying with my coworker every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning before work. I remembered how long our prayer list was: several people with cancer and other health issues, divorces, Pastors leaving the Ministry, financial issues, and so many other things. It reminded me of all the things people deal with behind the smiles. We ended up talking for a while and made a connection through my t-shirt design. That’s the purpose of Ivan Ray’s. I’d loved to have sold 100 shirts, but the meaningful conversations about God that weekend meant more for the Kingdom than making a lot of money. And for that, I’m thankful. As we start a new year, I’m reminded to continue looking for opportunities to represent God. In what was small to me at first became something huge. Little is much when God is in it. Just keep your Spiritual eyes open. You just don’t know what he may show you.