Letting go of control to walk in faith is not as easy as it sounds.  It means that I might have to choose a different path than the one I thought was right for me.  Sometimes I don’t like the direction my path is leading, but I stay the course because I choose to walk in faith. 

I find that people, events, and opportunities point me in the direction of my path.  As I walk the path, various confirmations or clues that unfold help me decide if the path is the correct course.  I pray for direction and guidance and work hard at listening for clues.  My gut is the clearest indicator, but for me, that usually shows up at the last minute when a major decision is about to be made.  If my stomach is in knots, I change course.   

A path that I resisted for some time was that of a cosmetic consultant.  I had earned my Ph.D., made a 6 figure salary at a very young age, and was now offering people I didn’t know the gift of a facial. 

What I didn’t know at the time was what I had learned from that opportunity.  God knew the lessons I would learn, the ordering of priorities, and the confirmation that it was ok to have faith first, family second, and career third.

It showed me the strength of women who walk in faith.  I was exposed to many faith-based women all at different points in their journey.  The opportunity helped me define and validate how I was living my life.

During the time that God was leading me to learn the principles of Mary Kay Cosmetics, I was also exploring other opportunities.   I found it hard to believe that my path was leading to becoming a consultant.  I could see the income potential for a consultant, but the only thing I enjoyed about the opportunity was my customers. 

I interviewed with a local college to run the campus.  I was offered the job; but God gave me signs that although I thought it was the perfect job for me, it was not the direction I was to follow.   

During my last interview prior to the job offer, I had an interview with three people from the company.  One of the three was the owner, but I didn’t know which person.  After the interview, I was asked if I had any questions.  The only question I had was directed at a gentleman who was sitting with his elbow on the desk, hunched over, looking half-dead.   I ask this gentleman, “Do you like your job?” 

The man was surprised by the question.  He talked about liking it better than being locked in a room with white walls.  Yes, that was my first clue that this job might not be a good fit! 

Much to my surprise, I was offered the job that night.  I asked for 24 hours to review the offer.  From the moment I received the call until the time I declined the offer, I had a strong, sick, feeling in my stomach.  That job was as close to a perfect job for me as I could ever have picked.  But the signals were clear, that was not my path.  I continued as a consultant.    

My next interview took place over 5 months.  This interview was in the field of marketing at a local private school.  The process was long, but it also provided me an opportunity to see the value private education holds for students. 

I was never someone who gave private schools much consideration, positive or negative.  I believe public schools provide a good education for most students.  This interview process taught me the value of private education for students.  My children attend public schools, but I now better see the advantages of a private school. 

I was interviewed by most of the faculty at this school and after 5 months, most thought that I was the candidate for the position.  I was called in for my last interview, an interview with a member of the board.  I was excited to be nearing the end of this process and was looking forward to the possibilities it held for me. 

What I did not know walking into this interview was that this board member had hand-selected another candidate for this position.  A late entry for the position. 

I walked in ready for a great interview experience.  I introduced myself and the board member proceeded to tell me why I was wrong for the position.  I was never interviewed, I was addressed with inaccurate and false statements.  It was something I had never experienced until that moment. 

I walked out to the car, got in, shut the door, and thought to myself, “Lord, you do not want me in this position.”  I pulled myself together and continued to offer people the gift of facials.    

In hindsight, I believe that God was offering me a way to work at home and raise my children.  I had always wanted to be a “stay-at-home mom.”  It was my goal in life as a child.  During this time my brother had made a casual comment to me, “Laura, maybe your job is to take care of the girls right now.”  Again, giving thanks to God.

It is not easy for me to follow a path that is different from what I had planned for myself.  Every day I pray that I am strong enough to follow my intended path, not my desired path.  I know that my faith is strong, but I still have to remind myself daily that I am a servant of God.  What is it that God is asking of me?

Click here to stay connected.