Well Worth the Wait...

If you’ve been following along for the past few months, you’re aware that I made a career change. I got my real estate broker license in North Carolina & sales license in South Carolina. Outside of the challenges of learning a new industry, including federal and state laws as well as all new math concepts, the biggest shift was believing that at 50 years old, I would be hirable, starting in a new field.

When God led me in this direction, it was clear that I would work in new home construction, rather than in the resale market as an independent contractor. Witnessing the highs and lows of the real estate market over the past year, confirmed why this was a wise decision for me, particularly coming from the residential remodeling industry. So, I applied to every builder in the Charlotte, NC region that had open positions. Thirteen to be exact.

My last experience in applying for a job was different. The first job I applied to, I was contacted immediately and within a few weeks, I was working. That’s where I worked for the past 8 years. Prior to that I was running my non-profit organization. Needless to say it was very tempting to get in my feelings when many applications were going out, but no calls were coming in. That was humbling to say the least, but it further fueled the lie that I wasn’t a desirable applicant with the above mentioned “limitations”.

When my job in Virginia ended at the end of March, I found myself in a scary position being a single, homeowner with 2 kids in college and now unemployed. BUT GOD said TRUST ME! Leading up to the end date of that position, my assumption was that God would perfectly coordinate everything, so I’d be hired and start working immediately after the other job ended, but that’s not how it played out.

Out loud I was professing my trust that the right job was going to come at the right time, and all would be well, but in the background I had made an agreement to do some freelance work (just in case God didn’t show up like I had hoped). Guess what… He didn’t show up that way, instead that same weekend, I attended Bishop Jake’s International Leadership Summit, here in Charlotte. Shortly into the program, I was given a very clear instruction to CUT ALL TIES with my previous employer because God was trying to do a NEW THING and holding on to the old was blocking that progress.

“But God, I have bills to pay… I’m alone now…” but He continued to ask, “Do you trust me?” Although, it took a little time for my response to shift from, “yes, but…” to simply “yes”, in the middle of the arena, I pulled out my phone and deleted everything related to my former employer. No calendar, no email, contact lists, text threads! In the few minutes it took to remove everything, I was suddenly filled with such freedom that I disregarded whatever fear would have naturally accompanied such an action. The rest of that weekend, I was filled with wisdom and encouragement to sustain me in this undetermined waiting period.

The following Monday morning, I made the phone call to cut the cord and with a deep breath I uttered, “Now what?” It was at that time that God began to download to me that I was entering a season of respite. He told me that I needed time to heal from past negative work experiences and relationships and I needed to learn to rest in His power and timing, not my own. It was clear that I had no control over anything, but He also showed me the level of exhaustion that I have brought onto myself over the years by constantly trying to do everything myself. It exposed my worrying nature, which is tied to patience and trust. It exposed my tendency to be busy, believing that my value was tied to what I DO, rather than who I am. It exposed my tendency to do it all, instead of asking for help, which didn’t allow me to be open to expect and/or receive help from others, especially if it didn’t look like I had envisioned. The list goes on…

Meanwhile, a month into “resting” I still couldn’t help but be concerned about the lack of interest for potential jobs. I prayed, “God I don’t need 10 job offers, I only want the one that You want for me!” I decided to complete my post licensing course work so I wouldn’t have to fit it into my work schedule later in the year and I was able to remove the provisional status from my license, making my application(s) more appealing. I found ways to serve and help others with small volunteer efforts and I read a few good books. Then approximately six weeks into my downtime, I got a call.

After an initial phone interview, I was invited into the office to interview with the sales team. I was informed, if they were interested, I could be invited back to interview with the company leadership, which was very encouraging, but a much longer process than I had anticipated. The first interview was in early May and the final interview wasn’t until June 28th, but after four interviews, on June 30th, I was offered the position. In that six-week period, I can’t say I didn’t have moments of anxiety, knowing that there were no other options on the table, and I was now three months into what felt like the never-ending season of “rest”. But day by day, week by week, God continued to work in me patience, peace, trust, and confidence.

In Ephesians 3:20 God promises exceedingly, abundantly above all you can ask, think or imagine according to His power that is at work in you. I applied to 13 builders some large and some small, and I was hired by the best in the bunch, a top 3 national builder, voted one of the 100 best places to work. Every person that I met felt like an old friend. Every conversation flowed with a spirit of ease and there was no sense of desperation on either side. It is the right fit, the right opportunity at the right time in my life and I have never been more excited about going back to work!

By the time I start, I will have been in respite for almost four months, and I haven’t missed a meal, and every bill has been paid on-time, if not early. I got to spend uninterrupted and undistracted time with my family and friends. I learned to be fully present in the moment and worry a lot less! I learned to love who I am. I learned I don’t have to be everything to everyone (most of you can take care of yourselves). I learned that most of my fear and anxiety is self-imposed and it’s time to let it go. I learned that being disciplined and practicing good stewardship financially when you think it doesn't matter, promises to provide when it matters the most. I learned to be more patient in the delays, trusting that it’s setting me up for better. I learned that often God will limit your options, so you don’t make the wrong decision. I learned to simplify my life and be comfortable saying NO. I also learned to value rest. Not just sleep, but a deep rest in my soul.

Sometimes you have to turn off the TV and get off social media and be comfortable in silence. Be by yourself long enough to shift from loneliness to solitude. Talk to God as much, if not more than you talk to friends/family. He is great company and will never steer you wrong!

I believe that every good seed that I’ve sown in this last season will produce a bountiful harvest in this new season of my life! #Kim2.0

Until next time…