John Woolman restrained his involvement in business so that he wouldn't be tempted by greed or 'worldliness' in general, and so that he would have time to wait on the Lord in silence.

I am of a like mind in my little hot dog vending business. I usually do not work more than 40 hours per week, so that I have plenty of time to wait on the Lord, and I am generally not much of a businessman regarding profits and growth and competition and whatnot.   

However, when I am on the streets selling hot dogs, late at night, there is often chaos around my cart with dozens of hungry and sometimes intoxicated customers clamoring for food. While business is good at these moments, my peace of mind is usually put to the test. In some cases my behavior becomes 'un-Quakerly' in that I lose my patience, on the one hand, or I participate in the  bawdy and boisterous atmosphere, on the other.

I have often thought about finding other work; I could teach English again, and even now I do some other relatively peaceful work as a trail guide and gardener's assistant. But in the end I always decide to continue with the hot dogs, as there are also many opportunities to meet people I wouldn't meet otherwise, and to enjoy a little solidarity with these people. And with God's grace I can remember Him even in the most trying moments, to remain in His rest, and to be mindful of His presence.

My business can be a testimony to Him with a little forbearance on my part, as any one of our businesses can be.