My Short-Lived Jewelry Business

#48

Friend,

Have I ever told you the story about my Native American jewelry-making business?

My grandfather (Papa), who was a full-blooded Yuchi Indian came to visit my elementary class. My Papa had an Indian jewelry store, and he was sharing with our class about Indian jewelry, including showing us some of the beaded jewelry he had made.

These beautiful necklaces and bracelets had these great patterns that would often repeat.

• 5 red beads, 3 turquoise beads, 1 white bead

• 5 red beads, 3 turquoise beads, 1 white bead

• 5 red beads, 3 turquoise beads, 1 white bead

Seeing the detail was extraordinary, but what he told us next is something I will always remember, “Now if you look closely at a piece of beaded jewelry, look for a mistake. We always deliberately make a mistake in the pattern of our creation so that people will know that it is made by hand and not by a machine.”

Mistakes and flaws define humanity.

We think our mistakes and flaws make us less than human, but your mistakes are part of what makes you human, which is beautiful. You were made by hand.

But there is more…

Love and grace define God.

And God’s love creates you, holds you, forgives you, and cherishes you just like my Papa created and cherished his flawed but beautiful jewelry.

So what did young enterprising Aaron do?

He had a short-lived Native American bead business making necklaces (each with an intentional mistake and probably non-intentional ones as well) for other kids in class. I employed my mom and sister for a short time to help with the initial demand. After about 2 weeks, I was tired, paid them more than I made myself, and closed down my business.

The business may have collapsed, but the lesson from my Papa never will.

Love,

Aaron

P.S. Need Prayer, I’d love to pray for you. Just let me know, how I can pray for you.