Welcome to Life—a sometimes complex, usually hurried and often amazing journey that knits us together. Navigate along side, wife, mom and entrepreneur Judith Manigault as she explores current issues and offers fresh insight into the demands of Family, faith and work to help you live a more balanced life—now!

PARTNERS

A husband and wife team, dear friends of ours, has decided to take the entrepreneurial leap. But with a shortage of funds to start their new venture, they now have to think of more creative ways to raise the necessary capital in this—especially lean economy. As we talked about some of the creative ways in which they could make this happen, we quickly began delving into some of the real key issues. The real problem was not a lack of money (There are a number of creative ways to raise funds, provided that both parties are in agreement.) But was more importantly, their inability to manage the strengths and weaknesses of their unique partnership. That is, how to respect their creative differences without exercising undue criticism and understanding that as a team they were so much bigger and better than they could possibly be as separate entities. Funny thing, I can still remember the challenges that Richard and I experienced as we tried to walk the very unique and sometimes challenging fine line that married business partners must sometimes walk. On a daily basis we balanced the responsibilities of raising a family, paying the mortgage and the infinite details of running a business.

As we struggled through the customary period of trying to crack the work/life balance code (some days more successfully than others), we learned some valuable key lessons . Here are just a few!

A. A clear division of labor is crucial. After identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each teammate, allow your partner to be all they can be and trust them to do so. (Remember, they are not your clone and should not be expected to think and move the way you do.) This will save a tremendous amount of time and energy by avoiding unnecessary conflict and reducing your personal level of frustration.

B. When doing business, do business! Remember to switch hats when entering the work environment (Here, there is no room for ambiguity.) In the past, I can't tell you how often as partners (Richard and I) allowed personal and even marital concerns to filter into the work environment resulting in wasted time and misallocated energy. A key way we have found to preserve focus —is by simply being present. And by this I mean be in the moment, whether you are meeting the next company deadline or baking cookies with your six year old at home.

C. Agree to and establish ethical business practices along with daily habits that demonstrate mutual respect. An atmosphere of respect, honesty and trust goes a long way to creating a winning environment. Really listen to each other as you strategize and set goals. Whether it is re-writing the business plans for the fifth time or purchasing office furniture from abroad, each partner’s voice must be heard and validated. And remember, that once you have entered the work environment where critical decisions must be made, each partner comes in at equal footing. Honoring their skills, abilities and insights will not only boost company morale but will go a long way to a better, more efficient partnership.

D. Husbands: there's a great deal to be said for a woman's intuition. We have learned that its a great tool in interpersonal relationships, but it can also be of great use in business. I can't tell you how often, as a team we have saved time, money and the precious commodity of energy by simply honing in to the small still voice of the spirit. Its leading is impeccable and has truly become an invaluable helper.

E. Are you the company’s visionary? Be sure to not only paint the big picture but to also communicate the vision in great detail. Personally I have found that as Richard (in our case) shared the vision in a clear and compelling way, I was better able to contribute real solutions, the necessary insights and the best course of action allowing each project or venture to be seamlessly executed.

F. And last but not least, share the gift of laughter. As you have probably already learned, challenges and disagreement are an inevitable part of growth. But somehow, when we can laugh at ourselves we bounce back from the set-back a lot faster, and often, with a renewed sense of friendship and faith in the partnership. So when at all possible find the humor in your circumstances. I promise it will take you a long way.

What's in your hand?

What makes you uniquely special? What would you do if time or money were of no object? Or what big idea have you been quietly nursing as time passes by?

Many of us spend our lives trying to answer these questions to no avail while others push these thoughts aside and get on with the business of practical living. As human beings, we are all not only born with inherent gifts, talents and abilities, but also posses the capacity to directly or indirectly impact our immediate surroundings. Yet somehow, much of it gets lost in the hustle and bustle of every day life. Think about the things you did as a kid, when you were limited only by your imagination—before paying the mortgage became the priority or well intended friends and family members callously wrote on the tablets of your heart. If you could mentally revisit that simpler time; obvious clues about your authentic self and your life's purpose would become apparent. Were you the 'go to' kid in the block? You know, the popular one!The one who's natural leadership ability and 'Big' ideas rallied the group into action. Or maybe you were the more creative type. The kid who explored every hue under the rainbow and through the use of odds and ends and other homespun materials, created imaginative designs that far superseded the ability of his peers. Whoever you are; remember that your true self (the kid you have been carrying with you all along) along side time, money and your ability to dream big are God given assets to help you reach your fullest potential. And remember that as long as you have the gift of life it's never to late explore the possibilities.

REST

After teaching and sometimes feeding large crowds, Jesus would call his disciples to a quiet place for rest. He understood, the weariness that sometimes came from meeting the needs of the masses and that those closest to him would need times of rest and refreshing to meet the challenges of the road ahead. For many of us living in these uncertain times—facing concerns about our falling economy, balancing the demands of work and family, skyrocketing health insurance, paying for college tuition, or simply keeping food on the table, the very idea of rest whether physical or from life's worries is often at a premium. And although ideally we would love to have the ability to beam ourselves to more restful and pleasant environment, we just can't stop the world around us or simply just don't have the luxury of jumping off at the next stop (sort of speak), specially when they are deadlines to meet, meals to cook and circumstances beyond our control to address. At those times, God allocates for those who simply 'call on him' times of refreshing, that may show-up as a call from a dear friend, a funny but encouraging e-mail from another or wishful lyrics from a familiar tune—that allows us to pause. . . breath. . . and maybe even gain a different perspective. It is in these sometimes small but never insignificant moments that God shows-up and reminds us that his peace in the midst of life challenges—is just a call away.

Sisters

Our two youngest children born 22 months apart are now seven and eight years old. And probably just like in most families compete for everything from who will have the last word to who can do a better summersault, which at times can drive us bananas. The seven year old loves dancing, dollies and like probably many little girls her age, all things a la “Hanna Montana. While our soon to be nine year old, is quiet the soccer star, loves animals and enjoys a good game of tag. (you would think that children with such diverse interest would not compete , but they do!) Naturally as their mom, I think that they both rock! and as I watch them grow-- I can't help but think about how God in his wisdom has made each of us uniquely – a gift to the world not be compared or measured by another but actually independently beautiful! and designed to function as part of a vibrant community called the world.

At times if we are not careful, any of us can slip into the sense of inadequacy that show-up when we stand in the presence of another expression of Gods creations embodied in your sister, your brother a friend or a perfect stranger-- and wonder why, I could not dance like...paint like...create like or even look like her. Today I encourage you to look no further, and remember that... Your strengths (Yes! your strengths) will always show-up as greatness in someone else's weaknesses. And what only you can exclusively add to the planet is as unique as your very own finger print.