My youngest son and I were chatting over cigars a few months ago about life experiences and the topic of my attempts to be self employed. I’ve had mixed successes, none of which had much longevity. I said, “I got no business runnin’ a business.” We both laughed. He thought that phrase would make a great t-shirt. Possibly, but I am not getting in the t-shirt business.

My mindset, since the earliest days of starting a photography business 50 years ago, has been more motivated by providing something of value and importance to others through images than by the amount of money I charge. Similarly, I am driven by knowing that my workshops, presentations or writings make a difference in people’s lives more than the number of checks that I receive.

I recall when I was first creating images for a living, I encountered a man who had a new-to-him tow truck in his yard. He asked for a photo and agreed to pay for it. I developed the negatives, made the print, dropped it in the mail and shared with my parents that I did not actually expect to be paid for the invoice that accompanied the 8×10 black-and-white glossy print. I said that I understood his pride in his truck and felt the print would reinforce that feeling. I never got paid for the nominal invoice.

I have always felt that I should use the gifts and talents with which I have been blessed. Using them is one thing, charging is another. After decades of this mindset, I read Matthew 10:8. “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

I’m okay with that. I’ll focus on my soul and not worry about running a business.