During the last few weeks, I’ve had a few wake-up calls related to my work/occupation that have presented themselves as difficult growth opportunities.
While I’m not a big fan of ‘manifestation’, I believe there are certain times in your life where you’re able to see clear attribution between your thoughts and the present moment. In one of the instances, I remember sitting on one of the client meetings and thinking:
“How would I feel if I never had to do this again?”
Before I could complete the mental question, the word “GREAT!” screamed to my mind’s eye. I had an answer.
Two weeks later, the client abruptly ended their contract, and I received the notification as a short email during my time with Atlas.
Normally, this is a scenario that would be reasonable to stress over. After all, it was a 5-figure contract and I would now have to replace that income, or make peace without it. Add a vibrant 4 year-old to the picture, and it could easily turn that moment into a maelstrom.
I had a choice, and a young man staring at me wondering why Dad suddenly got quiet.
“Atlas, Dad just got some difficult news. Do you know what the Bible says?”
“What, Dad?”
“In everything, give thanks. That’s what we’re going to do right now. Let’s pray.”
I thanked God for the opportunity to work with a great client, and handed the ‘void’ of a number over to Him.
“This time, I want You to sign the paycheck.”
Two hours later, I received another email…with an opportunity infinitely larger than the one I had just surrendered.
“God is good.” I said.
“All the time!” chimed in Atlas.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
This scenario taught me an invaluable lesson in surrendering my paychecks to the One who created the Universe. It also taught me about the distance I’ve kept between myself and God.
How?
Well, I’ve always viewed my occupation as ‘my’ task to own from end-to-end. Why? Because I’m good at it and it pays well enough to support my Life-Style. When I feel like I’m the one responsible for bringing in the bacon, I tend to push God out of that box. Why? Because I’ve ‘got it’.
Surrendering this responsibility to God, and seeing the incredible fruit that’s come as a result has been life-changing. I’ve spent over 20 years toiling to bring home the bacon, only to come home and realize God already had a full meal on the table for me.
No Comments