I got a cute e mail from a friend today about Noah's Ark...

and what we can learn from Noah's seafaring experience.  It made me stop and think about what I am doing in my life and my real estate career and after some thought it occurred to me that many of the points in the e mail applied to my situation.  I just had to share them with you...

Lessons Learned From Noah's Ark:

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

A year ago I though I had found Utopia with my dream job as a manager and trainer for a large real estate firm.  I loved my job, I loved my agents, I loved my office, I loved everything about what I was doing and where my career was going.  Then one day I got this feeling that I should "prepare."  For what I wasn't sure, but I did what I felt led to do and got my broker's license and MCE Instructor Certification.  Two months later my Mom called and asked me to open a real estate office with her and an MCE school brought me on as an instructor...had I not heeded the feeling to prepare...I might have missed the boat!

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

In today's market, even though I am fortunate to be in a stable one, it is important to understand and have empathy toward my real estate bretheren.  I keep finding myself having the same conversation with real estate professionals and affiliates about how we are banding together and networking while thinking outside the box for ways to grow our businesses in uncertain economic times.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

What was I going to use that broker's license for anyway?  Why did I feel compelled after three years of hitting walls to go ahead and get my MCE certification?  Because on the leading of my gut, I decided to plan ahead even though I had no idea why I was doing it and what opportunities lie ahead.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

I always consider myself fit, but I must say that I am certain that my Mom never imagined herself opening a real estate office at age 71!  In fact, as a joke, we named our LLC "GY Venture" which stands for "Golden Years Venture!"  A lesson to me to always stay fit...physically and mentally!

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

This one is so hard for me and probably the reason why the good Lord hasn't called on me to build an ark!  I worry so much about other people's perceptions of me.  It is, admittedly, one of my very worst faults.  I have a job to do now as a broker/owner and a trainer and I need to focus on the goal, keep my eyes on the prize and shut out the nay-sayers!

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

As a resident of the Texas Hill Country which is nicknamed "Flash Flood Alley", I can understand the importance of this.  But it isn't always about staying out of flood waters, sometimes it is about being at a higher level so you can hear the call when it comes.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

The Bible is pretty clear that it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone and I don't necessarily think that he meant romantically.  We need each other.  In business, in friendship, in relationships, in families, in every area of our lives.  It is more critical than ever that I turn to my friends and family for companionship, encouragement and support.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

They tell me I have the metabolism of a hamster on speed...so this applies to me.  I am learning to slow the pace and try not to miss the good stuff of life.  I need to remember the snails and the cheetahs when I start getting too hyper!

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

My Dad made a wall hanging out of barnwood and rope when I was a child that says "Be Still and Know" and I grew up with that in our home.  Today it hangs in our garage...not sure why, but one day my Mom said, "What a great message to see as you get in your car every day and get out in the evening!"  So I left it there!

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Sometimes the best things don't come from glitzy, glamorous, great people...they come from the hearts of ordinary folks who do extraordinary feats.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

I am trying to remind myself regularly that storms of life never cease, they just let up every now and again.  It is better to learn to dance in the rain than to wait for the storm to pass.  No matter what I may face in this crazy life and business I work in...there is a rainbow waiting for me in the end!

Be blessed and be a blessing and may this touch you as it touched me...