It's been quite a year and like every year before we have had our ups and downs, good times and bad times, joys and sorrows. But unlike years before, I have listened and I have learned and I have discovered something beautiful at St. Mary's Bookstore. Owning and running a small business, a small family business, a small Christian family business can be tough. It can also be rewarding. No new news there. However, as Nashville has grown by leaps and bounds and we have slowly become one of the smallest buildings on West End (at 4 stories high), we have also become a place for out-of-towners to wander in and shop or simply visit. I cannot tell you how many times a week we hear, "Wow! We've traveled all over the country and never seen a religious bookstore and gift shop this beautiful." or "Wow! I thought Nashville didn't have a large number of Catholics. What are you doing here?" In the past I'd think, "Well, you have no idea how hard we work to maintain this place" or "Well, we hope we're doing the work of Jesus Christ." And we hope we are, but here's the kicker! I have come to realize under no uncertain terms how grateful I am to our regular customers. To those of you who come when your children are receiving the sacraments. To those who come to the store just during Easter and Christmas. To those of you who visit more frequently, who find unusual gifts for birthdays or who just want to shop the latest and greatest books. To all of you who support St. Mary's and our families, I want to thank you for maintaining this beautiful place so when out-of-towners visit and say, "Wow! You're diocese is lucky to have such a beautiful place," we can simply say, "thank you, we are blessed." Because it's not about how many churches we drag all our merchandise to or schools we visit with St. Nicholas shops or sacramental goods, or deliveries we make. It's not about long hours or monetary rewards. It's about you supporting us for all these years and helping us to be a store for the diocese that we can all be proud of. It's all about your goodness and your kindness and your stories and your suggestions. This year I've realized that no matter how hard we work, nothing compares to the love and support of all of you. You make us look good. You are the reason people from out of town say, "We love this place." Our family may be the head but you are the heart and soul of St. Mary's. You are the hands and the feet of Christ. Whether you visit once a year or once a month or once a week, the path you make helps to continue a path that hopefully leads us all a little closer to Jesus Christ. For all of this and so much more, our families thank you and we wish you all a blessed New Year!
