Jon Acuff

These two pictures were taken in the same building.

The top photo was 14 years ago. I asked an event I was attending in Atlanta if I could hold a meet-up in one of their empty rooms at the Gwinett Arena. I brought hundreds of stickers for the readers of my blog, who I was sure would come out on droves.

I waited in the empty room for 90 minutes and only two people showed up. One was my friend Mike Foster who came to see me. I asked him to take a photo for me because I knew it would one day encourage me and one day encourage you.

The bottom photo was last night. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the same building as 14 years ago. The size of the crowd might have changed, but my mission hasn’t.

I want to help millions of people enjoy their gifts.

Last night I got to do that for 6,000 people.

Fourteen years ago I got to do that for 2 people.

Here’s to the moments when no one shows up.

Here’s to the open houses where you bring 3 dozen cookies and no one comes.

Here’s to the podcast episodes that get 2 downloads.

Here’s to the books that don’t hit lists.

Here’s to the reels that don’t get views.

Here’s to the early years and the late nights.

I’m 14 years in and I’m just getting started.

Keep at it.

The work is worth it.

I promise.