roller coaster year

It seams as though this year is one of constant ups and downs.  I previously mentioned that John was transitioning from one job to another.  That has been a rel adventure.  He started selling debit/credit card machines for one company, and found little success.  He then transitioned to another company, selling the same thing, with far more success.  John decided that it was not what he wanted to do long term, but might be the right place to be while he accomplished some of the things he wanted to over the summer.  A couple of weeks ago, that job changed drastically.  The change brought a real decrease to his ability to make sales.  while he has continued to make contacts, he has also had to start looking for other employment.  It was a journey that had us exploring many paths.  Some seemed like a good path, until we started to look at actually following them.  Then the feeling of uncertainty would set in, perhaps even fear.  Other paths seemed hopeful, and then started to look like they were not going to go anywhere at all.  It was really starting to affect the mental and emotional well being in our home.  When we were starting to feel somewhat like we were being pushed down a path that had turned less favourable in our opinion, prayer felt like to only thing left to lean on.  John  was blessed to have two jobs offered to him in the same day.  He has to make a decision where he wanted to go.  While we have not yet found the final landing place, we think that this job has the best potential to get him where he wants to be.  John is entering the construction field.  He hopes this decision will open some doors into the trades, more specifically that of electrician.  Ontario is not a trades friendly province, which makes it difficult for a middle aged man to start an apprenticeship.  Hopefully he will be able to make connections, and show his strengths in being an effective apprentice, and will find an electrician willing to take him on.
Another set of ups and downs relates to my business.  I have really learned that the blessings of the Lord will be poured out upon us.  I have also learned that I have to know my own limitations.  I started with a few contracts that were keeping me plenty busy, but had  more and more placed before me.  I had to bring others in to work with me, just to keep up.  I really had gotten myself in over my head, and learned several important lessons.  Firstly, I don't like having people work for me.  They stress me out.  Secondly, this kind of sewing is much more difficult for some people, than creating modern clothing.  Thirdly, I learned that it is alright to turn work away.  In fact, I learned that I must turn work away, to allow me to do the best job I can on the contracts I do take on.  I was very sad the day I turned down an opportunity to sew for the War Museum.  Luckily I was at the point in this roller coaster, where I had learned that I have definite limits.  This has been reenforced more than once in this process, with a few times of being ready to quit/give up.  The most important lesson I have learned, is that I have to find a happy medium between sewing and living.  I have a family who needs me, and I need them. 
The ups and downs continue, and we are trying to get through another ride on the roller coaster with our house.  It seems that exiting on roller coaster puts us in line for another one, without the option to take a break in between.  I just hope that the next one (after the one we are on) will have much gentler ups and downs.  These drastic ones all of the time, make it difficult to keep perspective.