Well, now that I'm 47, almost 48, there are a lot things I am learning.  Some through life's lessons, some through dumb mistakes, and a lot through my three sons.  I am sure that God has been teaching me lessons throughout my life but it seems like I am just now "getting them."  Funny how a little "middle age" will help with that.  A huge lesson that I keep learning is how to control my mouth and what I say.  Admittedly, a hard lesson I am still learning.  But, my dilemma has always been "how do I convey what I am thinking and learning in a straightforward way.....without hurting my witness for Jesus."  By nature I am a straight forward, tell it like it is, kind of girl.  I love straight forward people.  You know where they are coming from and therefore, know how to deal with them.  Even more, I love straight forward friends that I can bounce opposing ideas off of and they aren't offended or put off.  They love a good friendly discussion, and so do I.  No hard feelings.......just good, solid, honest information.  Love it.  This has been one of my greatest joys as a "middle ager."  To sit with a trusted friend and say "I'm not judging you, I just want to understand where you're coming from."  I have learned a much deeper level of love, friendship and acceptance through these kinds of good conversations.  Thus, my new "blog."   I want to be able to have honest, open dialog about issues while, hopefully, maintaining a positive, non-judgemental heart. 

You knew I'd get to it, didn't you?  I have to talk about two very important men in my life.......my Dad and my Husband.  I feel compelled to speak for them because, well, sometimes I feel a little protective and want to speak up for them.   This morning I sat down and counted the number of "Small Business" owners between our two immediate families.  Eight men and women between our families are small business owners.  Now let me preface this by declaring that I am an intelligent person who knows and  understands that all adults, whether they are employees or employers, got to where they are with the help of lots of people.  Teachers, parents, Sunday School teachers, coaches, mentors, etc....The list goes on and on and on of how we all got to where we are.  Let me give you my perspective.........  My Dad started his own business when I was about seven years old.  Through the years my Mother would not only go work for him, for free I'm sure, but she would act as his advisor, encourager, financial analyst, counselor and general top supporter.  My Dad would get up at the crack of dawn to travel to nearby, and not so nearby,  places to promote his business.  Every so often Dad would see an additional business opportunity and after weighing the "risks" he would invest in another venture.  Sometimes those ventures worked, sometimes they didn't.  There were a lot of constants but one that was ALWAYS there was....."do I take the risk or not."  Now,  he had a lot of people who helped him get to this place, but there was one person who laid awake at night and got up at the crack of dawn pondering "is it worth the risk?"  His teachers, mentors, coaches, and yes, even his wife, were all part of the equation but he alone could decide whether he was willing to put his name on the line and take the risk. 

Thankfully, I was prepared for this when I married a "risk taker."  I had seen my Mom and Dad start and build a business together.  My Dad had even let me work in his business so I knew how a small business was run.  I am familiar with the sleepless nights and the early morning phone calls and the highs and lows of owning your own business.  I have the benefit of working alongside my husband for just a few days each month, so I see the stress and everyday ups and downs that he deals with.  It makes me love and appreciate what he does for our family and what my Dad did for my mom and my sisters and me.  I'm sure this story mirrors lots of your's and I know it mirrors the other members of our family who are small business owners. 

This is not a political statement because I know that unless you've experienced starting and running a small business, you could never understand what goes into it.  But it is a statement for everyone to realize that America was built on free enterprise and freedom to create and succeed.  And yes, even the freedom to fail.  I am sick and tired of hearing how the wealthy don't want to "give back."  I am sick and tired of a monetary number being put on whether you are middle class or not.  I am very worried about tax increases that will put lots and lots of small businesses out of business.   There is one thing I know for certain.........the "risk takers" will keep taking risks.  It's in their blood.  They thrive on making their corner of the world a better place.  They thrive on "giving back."  They love those who got them to where they are today.  They have learned how to fail and get back up.  I'm surrounded by these people and I know it to be true.