“Where Do We Go From Here?” was the title of the sermon last Sunday, February 27, by Pastor Doug Mund at Grace Fellowship Church in Coffeyville. Although I’m not going to turn this column into a religious piece, I will say that for believers a little prayer might be in order for those still affected by the pandemic and the rest of the turmoil not only in our country but in the world.

It's difficult to watch the news and not be concerned, sometimes allowing the current global condition to affect our attitudes as we go about our daily lives. I know at least two successful businesspeople that purposefully avoid the news to keep things positive. They believe most of the national and global condition is out of the sphere of influence so why bother paying attention. While I agree that most is beyond our sphere of influence and I’m a firm believer in the power of positive thinking, I just can’t ignore what’s going on in the world around me. I believe that ignoring the news and global conditions also blinds us to the opportunities that are sure to arise from whatever happens in the future.

As we transition from the global pandemic to global conflict, we recognize that the pandemic affected many businesses and families. Many businesses suffered and some closed; however, many experienced strong business during the pandemic. Some pivoted to new products and services based on changing needs (i.e., opportunities) and many implemented the Internet sales component they’d been putting off when things were busy before 2020. I know several businesses that did very well during the pandemic although they are hesitant to toot their horns too much so as not to be boastful to neighboring business owners that may not have fared as well.

An example is Brian Hight co-owner of Magnolia Scents by Design in Independence. Of course, sales of candles and other home products slowed in the months of the shutdown. Brian recognized the need for hand sanitizer and was soon manufacturing and selling sanitizer, at first in Honey Bear bottles, because that is all that was available. Brian already sold products on the Internet, but online business growth exploded during the year of the pandemic. Now, in-store customers have come back but the increased Internet business won’t go away as all those new digital customers will keep ordering because they love his products.

Most of us serve the needs of others one way or another whether we work for someone else or are out on our own. No matter how much angst and anxiety there is in the world, people will continue to have problems and needs to be solved and fulfilled. Peoples’ needs may change, and we all should maintain an awareness of what is happening in the world around us and keep our thinking caps on to analyze and seize the new opportunities for service that will continue to present themselves.