Two years ago, almost to the day, my wife and I had the privilege of visiting the isle of Iona in Scotland. What stood out to us, other than the incredible beauty of this small island, was a small abbey perched along the southeastern shore.

This abbey was built by St. Columba sometime after he landed on the island in 563 AD after fleeing persecution in his home country of Ireland. 

In front of the abbey stands St. Martin’s cross, built around 800 AD.

This cross has endured numerous Viking raids, including bloody massacres as well as the burning of the abbey in 825 AD. Being perched on Iona, an island off the west coast of Scotland, it has also survived numerous storms and been beaten down by harsh weather year after year.

And yet, over 1200 years later, it still stands.

And so will we.

Here’s my encouragement: Lean in to what’s stable. Times are tough, and we don’t know when this storm will end. Our lives and our businesses are filled with the reality of the unknown. And as employees, as parents, as business owners, this is a situation we can’t necessarily plan our way out of.

We’re going to need faith, we’re going to need hope, and we’re going to need each other.

So hang in there. It might be crazy for a while, but eventually this storm will pass. We may end up with some nicks and some scars, but like St. Martin’s cross, we will endure. 

Along on this crazy journey with you,

Nate