Technically, it took a little bit longer than 100 days.
Eleven days longer, to be exact.
I can honestly say that when I set out on the 100 Day Challenge, my personal journey to abandon my career and embrace my calling, I was unsure where it would lead me. Would I succeed in making such a radical vocational shift?
The truth is, I didn’t succeed in doing anything except stepping out in the confidence that God had bigger plans for my life, and that His plans would allow me to fully converge my work-life with my talents, abilities, gifts and passions.
All I did was act on what I secretly believed to be true about God, and His desire to see us live completely undivided lives.
I got the call on Day 91.
It was an offer to move down to Austin, TX to be the Executive Director of an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching people the principles of individual freedom, liberty, and free-market economics. It would be the opportunity to fully implement my vision to make “Disciples of Liberty.”
To take what I have been doing voluntarily for the last three years in Ohio, and do it vocationally in Texas.
I didn’t submit an application. I didn’t send a resume. I wasn’t out pounding the pavement looking for an opportunity. The opportunity came to me, out of the blue, without any effort on my part.
When Day 100 rolled around, I was sitting at a sushi restaurant in Austin with a dynamic group of people that I would be working with to carry out this vision. I can honestly say that on that day, I made the decision in my soul that I wanted to make the move.
It felt right, and it resonated with me.
But I am not accustomed to making dramatic life changes, involving a 1,000 mile relocation away from family and friends, on the basis of a warm-fuzzy at a sushi restaurant.
Like Gideon, I needed a fleece.
I got that call on March 5th, Day 111. It was my landlord, The American Yogi, Richard E.
Three years ago, serendipity and Craigslist, connected us together when my family was looking for a house in Columbus. We stumbled upon Rich’s listing while in the depths of despair, worried that our house would be sold in Cincinnati before we found a place in Columbus.
From the pictures, it looked like a really cool pad. And so instead of waiting for Rich to respond to my email inquiry, I brazenly drove to his neighborhood, knocked on his door, and asked for an unscheduled tour of the house. Fortunately, the American Yogi places a premium on such serendipitous encounters.
Almost immediately, he rented the place out to us, and moved to California with his lovely bride-to-be.
So, imaging my surprise when he called me on March 5th to let me know that circumstances had changed. They were returning to Columbus, and needed us to find somewhere else to live.
My jaw dropped. It looked like I would be moving after all.
We had our Gideon’s fleece. It was God’s way of saying:
“Hey, you wanted a radical job change that that fit your Core Identity, right? Here it is. The Austin climate is just a bonus.”
I gave my 4 weeks notice at 2:41 p.m. on Day 111.
What have I learned from all of this? That would take an entire book (hint, hint). But let me leave with a few things to encourage you on your own journey:
1. Figure out who you really are. Dive within and uncover your Core Identity.
2. Figure out what you really want to do with your life. Identify your passions, your gifts, your abilities, and do not settle for something less.
3. Converse with the Almighty frequently. Take copious notes. He created you for this journey. He will give you the guideposts. You just need to learn to recognize them.
4. Start moving. It’s hard to steer a parked car. Small steps of faith will yield small results, and before you know it things will begin to snowball.
5. Be careful what you ask for…you just might get it.
I would be lying if I said that I haven’t had doubts since I got “the fleece.” I have questioned if Austin was really the right destination. I have been apprehensive about moving my family to a new place and starting all over again.
But I haven’t questioned the decision I made to Abandoned my Career, and Embraced my Calling. I feel free to live my life from that congruent place of my Core identity, and it feels amazing.
More updates soon to follow!
