It isn’t hard to remember the first two months of the crazy adventure called The World Race which lasted 11 months total and took me to four continents and practically around the world. The first month was most memorable, starting with tears about what I’d gotten myself into. I look back now, with absolutely no regrets, and chuckle thinking about the worry and uncertainty I had experienced that first month. Thoughts of “can I really do this?”, “what if I just gave up now?” and “this is not what I expected”. But fast forward to now and it seems silly I worried or doubted at all. It seems absurd I ever considered giving up what ended up being the hardest but BEST year of my life.
I need to remember this having just completed month two of a new adventure – going back to work. Yes in my first month I had many of the same thoughts cross my mind. But I’m still here, pushing ahead and like the World Race, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.
While I have peace with where I’m at, I really struggled at first with the idea of going back to “corporate America”. I felt I was taking the easy way out, going back to what I know and feel comfortable with. I even had people say to me “after all that you’re going back to the same work!?!” But I didn’t find this job; it found me. I prayerfully and patiently sought next steps and I believe my new role was a gift handed to me on a silver platter. I may not be helping people in third world countries but I do know I’m where God wants me.
Going from full time ministry to a 9 to 5 has required discipline and accountability to seek His will daily! Thankfully God has surrounded me with divine appointments. My experience on The Race connected me with work colleagues and clients who share the same hope and faith in Jesus. I’ve been fortunate to get together with them in the context of business but connect at the heart level to what really drives and motivates our hearts – the love of God and a desire to bring Him glory.
My mission field looks a little different now but I still wake every morning excited to live, love and hope in the name of Jesus.
