A New Road!

I had written earlier describing a rough bout with Scott's business.  We had learned so much through that time already, but apparently that wasn't all that God had in store for us.  Like I said before my eyes were wide open trying to figure out the purpose in all of it.  I know that "All things work for the good of those who love Him" so I was searching.  I have really learned a lot about simplicity and have made many changes in the life of our family.  It is amazing how little you can live on financially when God is involved!  Anyway, back in February when Scott's client started making Scott miserable and refusing to pay he stated that maybe he should just close his business.  I couldn't believe he said that! I went off on him telling him how hard he had worked the last 5 years and he wasn't going to let one mean lady ruin his dream.  In March, the phone calls started coming in for work so he decided he would stick with it.  Then Scott got into an accident and totaled his work truck.  That hurt! We had to get a loan to buy another truck because what we got for the totaled truck wasn't enough to buy another one.  We just figured this is just another bad day lets keep going.  Scott was doing estimates all night and all weekend all spring.  He had so many estimates out that he didn't know how he would ever get all of the work done for people.  That didn't end up being the problem though.  By June, Scott still wasn't getting any jobs.  Everyone wanted him to do the work at a low price, but he couldn't work for free. No one wanted to pay for what they wanted.  Big dreamers! Since the beginning of 2013 we only made $3000 after paying employees and business expenses.  That isn't enough money to live on, but by God's grace we did! Because of this Scott made his comment again, "I think I should close the business." I was shocked again, but this time I didn't reject.  I just prayed and tried not to speak my opinion too soon.  Finally, once Scott was ready I told him how I would love to close the business, but I didn't want him to loose out on his dream.  The business has caused so much stress for both of us.  I'm always asking Scott when so and so is paying because we have this and that bill due.  Scott would literally work 24/7 and we never got time with him.  It was getting  hard on our marriage and hard for the kids.  When he wasn't on the job or doing paperwork he was sleeping because he was exhausted.  I didn't know how much longer he physically could work like this.  I also didn't know how much longer I could handle the stress either.  Not that I would ever leave him because of this, but I knew it was affecting all of us so much.  That day after our conversation his phone began to ring about job opportunities.  One was a company in Carmel as lead contractor, one was lead maintainance man in apartment complex in Center Grove, one was doing sub contracting for insurance company, and the last but not least was lead contractor for DuKate Fine Home Improvement.  We were astonished at how quickly everything happened considering closing his business wasn't anything we had truly considered doing before this.  For many reasons, we ruled out the first opportunities and chose DuKate.  We are nervous and excited for the new road we will be traveling.  We know without a doubt that God has been leading us to this point since January with the Room Addition. We pray that DuKate ends up being a long journey, but we trust that if not God knows what is next and we will cross that bridge when and if it comes.  Scott starts tomorrow June 18 at DuKate and we pray it is a good day for him. This will be the first time in our marriage that Scott will have a predictable income.  We are thrilled! The kids were so excited too when they found out that Daddy wouldn't be doing anymore paperwork!! Praising the Lord!!