The Blueprint That Didn’t Make it

Hello RCD readers,

The ability to understand that a setback is not a failure—and that everything is working for your growth—is the ultimate sign of knowing who is truly in control. When we choose to run a God-oriented business, we offer our talents as a service to others. But let’s be honest: when things don't go as planned, insecurity has a way of creeping in.

The Long Road to a "No"

Last week began with a heavy let-down. This journey actually started back in 2023. This was my first client of that year, but they initially withdrew from the investment. A year later, encouraged by their children, they returned and said "yes."

2024 was, to put it mildly, a doozy. We navigated a slow-moving tide of payment issues, delayed feedback, and the long wait for the necessary documents for the building permit phase. It was a marathon of patience.

Throughout this process, I felt the weight of the project’s magnitude. I’ll be the first to admit I made mistakes. I struggled with being firm on payment regulations and, at times, I second-guessed my own ability to handle a project of this scale. However, I found immense strength in collaborating with my construction engineer. His expertise ensured the design was safe and structurally sound, and he was incredibly cooperative when we had to adjust the design this year to meet the client’s budget.

The Sudden Pivot

In mid-March, the final numbers came in. After hearing the estimated construction costs from the contractors, my client reached a difficult conclusion: she wants to sell the property.

I felt terrible. I thought about the time she invested, the fees she paid for the design and engineering work, and the long wait for documents that still aren't fully ready. Even though I acted as an intermediary for free and provided constant advice, it still felt like a significant loss.

When you pray over your projects and surrender them to God’s will, it’s natural to wonder, “Why did it end like this? What was the purpose of all that work if the building never rises?”

The Hidden Harvest

While the physical structure may not be built, the internal structure of my professional life has been completely redesigned. Looking back, I realized I gained:

• Confidence in Scale: I proved I could create large-scale designs that used to intimidate me.

• Collaborative Leadership: I learned to manage contractors and steel engineers simultaneously.

• Multifaceted Management: I handled the sales, design, and communication sides of a high-stakes project.

• Grace Under Pressure: I practiced staying calm and finding solutions when things went sideways.

• Operational Accuracy: I refined my ability to remain accurate across every phase of my services.

Where God Comes In

It is hard to see the "why" when a project you poured your heart into stays on the drafting table. But we have to trust that God’s perspective is wider than our blueprints.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 16:9:

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

And as we navigate the "what now," we lean on Romans 8:28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I don’t know exactly why the path ended here, but I am choosing to trust the Lord’s direction. I am letting go of the feeling of failure and holding onto the growth I gained. I hope for the best for my client, and I trust that whatever is next for me is part of a much bigger, more perfect design.

To be continued.

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How do you stay motivated to keep designing when a vision you've worked on for years doesn't come to life?