I found this statement as part of one of my client's signature line. I sat in awe just for a few minutes to digest the significance of what she wrote.
Someone's life depends on you answering your calling - WOW.
Yes, your job on a daily basis is not as earth shattering as an emergency room doctor, or a neo-natal intensive care unit nurse. But who's to say a noble profession such as a pre-school teacher, or a customer service rep at T-mobile is any less?
A wonderful book changed the course of my life. For that, I am eternally grateful. I am so glad I left my old life in pursuit of my new. That's also the reason why you may enjoy my thoughts and my blog. Had I been the old person, you probably wouldn't like me.
The book is Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. Back in 2004, I hit the lowest point in my life. I was in an accident that forever changed the way I drive near an 18-wheeler. It crashed behind a truck, the truck hit me and I hit the car in front of me. That incident scared me more than it hurt me (good thing). Then, a few weeks later, I found myself with a swollen left eye (size as big as a baseball). I found out that a bacteria was eating my kornea and it has just missed it by 1 mm. Had it started eating my iris first, I would have been blind. At that time, I was 28, still thinking I had a full life ahead of me, but being blind in 1 eye would have been devastating. Pretty gril but so sad, blind in 1 eye..... I didn't enjoy my corporate job and felt like I was a rat running on the spinning wheel with no where to go.
My dear husband had a bible study with his buddies from work. They did the Purpose Driven Life. Although he had always loved me dearly since we met, I felt the love he had for me became different (good different). I knew it had something to do with the book, so I read it for myself.
Life and things for me began to make sense. So, eventually I gave my heart to the Lord and never looked back.
It was in Africa 2006 when I decided to step up to my calling. I had started real estate part time in 2003 and God called me to Africa. He had something to show me. And secretly, I was afraid that He would call me to be a missionary. I didn't want that for my life.
One day in the villages of Kenya, I took a break from ministering to the ladies and children. I sat down by the grass and God told me to look over where the ladies were collecting water for their household. He told me,
Loreena - How much do I love the birds and the bees but look at them. They always search for food daily and I never left them hungry (Matthew 6). Now, how much more do you think I love you? Have I ever left you out in the cold to fend for yourself???
You worry about retirement. You worry about that constant paycheck that comes in every other week. When are you going to stop worrying and serve me whole-heartedly? Did you know life is more than just your 401K retirement fund? (I had issues with money security).
Now, look at these people around you. I've always kept them fed and warm. They are happy just the way they are. How much do you think they've stored away in their 401K accounts?
Just with that, I took my first bold step to tell my husband that the time is NOW. He supported me in my decision and I've never looked back. I came home and prayed about it more (just to make sure). As soon as I made the decision, I told my boss that I was calling it quits. I gave the company an 8-week notice when most people around me said I shouldn't. It was around bonus decision making time. But I had a bigger promise to my boss than the carrot (bonus) dangling in front of me. The last day of work, my boss called me in, wished me well and handed me my biggest bonus paycheck ever. It just gave me more financial security - something I was worried sick about.
I told him, "I wasn't expecting one since I'm leaving the company". He said, "Why wouldn't I? I worked a full year and the company did well. He's giving me my fair share of my extra hard work". Wow - God showed me fairness again and God showed me how I just need to do the right thing (I honored my word to my boss) and He will take care of the rest.
Today, I live God's calling in my life. Sure, I'm not a brain surgeon or a heart doctor and I'm never going to be smart enough. But my works are still very important. I don't have to wait until "I'm there or I'm perfect" to answer God's calling. Co-incidentally, He's always used the imperfect people to teach the "Perfect-In-Their-Minds".
I give homeowners who face foreclosure an option to save their credit and their dignity. I help homeonwers move on to their dreams of jumping on the trampolin with their children. I house families in their homes and to create wonderful memories.
Until God moves me, I am called to bloom where I am planted. Today, I am planted in Frisco TX and real estate is my mission field. 3:16 team REALTY was born in July 2007 and I've never looked back. I only know if I live in God's calling on my life, I can never go wrong.
With a name like 3:16, it may seem that it might scare some people away. And yes, I have 1 agenda in my mind when I put on my Realtor suit. It is to love on those who called me to serve them - be it clients or other real estate people. The love encompass a multitude of things I may do for them. It is NOT to share the Word with them. That's not my job. It is HIS job.
3:16 team REALTY stems from 1 John 3:16 that said, Now that we know what Christ has done for us, we must do for one another.
There you have it. The story of how I answered my calling. How about you? Are you answering God's calling on your life? Do you know that someone's life depends on you answering your calling??? Put that into perspective each time you do something. It will change your vision and your perspective.
As Rick Warren put it in his book, Your life is bigger than you. I say, You need to get out of the way to get His message across. So, will you do things out of your discomfort for Him? Will you do whatever it takes to fulfill the calling He has for your life? His plans are always better than yours.
PS: For my clients - Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for letting me answer my calling through your real estate needs. It's not a job I take lightly.
Scripture of the Week:
I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow.
(1 Corinthians 3:6)
Real also, When You Let God Guide, He provides
I begin my week here on Active Rain with my God First posts, written every Sunday once a week. My promise to you is that the messages I share will be day-to-day related, often times related to real estate. If these topics are important to you also, I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog.
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Loreena Yeo
Frisco TX Realtor® / Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
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Someone's Life Depends on You Answering Your Calling
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