In August of 1994 we moved from our home in the yacht club to more “homey” gated community. I could see a greater comfort level in Tracy, as it was a more mature community with nature trails, tons of kids, and a little less “spit and polish.” The previous year and a half had challenged our whole family with the sale of the NYSE Company I worked for, subsequent corporate downsizing, the lack of success of my entrepreneurial venture, and an inability to replace the executive management position to which I had become accustomed. However, our cut backs and the events of the next few years provided multiple opportunities for our family to grow closer together, define our values, focus on what is really important, and develop a new path for us to follow.
I think the move was harder for me than anyone, but also the best for me because of where I was in life. Until that point, I had progressively moved up the latter of “success.” Each position provided better pay, bigger homes, a wider audience of acceptance and more prestige. Despite the fact that I had recommitted my life to Christ some 11 years earlier, there was still too much life emphasis on things, position and personal power. God was faithful to this unfinished work, knowing my ego needed attention. During the next few years I was being groomed for a new career that would tax my ego even further, so His attention was very focused on making sure I was prepared for the next step.
Now what is going to be said next might sound lubricious to you, but the events that took place were invaluable and now mean more to me than I can tell you. While I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up, multiple circumstances provided me with the opportunity to help sort out what really matters and reposition my values. A few were: (1) losing the home of my dreams that was over 60% paid for. (2) Meeting multiple former classmates who had heard of my previous successes, so I could “update” them as to my present circumstances. (3) Take multiple entry level positions reducing my income to about 10% of what it was several years earlier. One such position provided me with the opportunity of delivering food to my former yacht club residence. (4) Arriving at a point where Tracy and I understood the feeling of being blessed by others through gifts of food, clothing and at times automobiles to get us through tough times.
Kids, you may never get to a point where you are totally dependent on God for your survival. Each you have been blessed with a plethora of talent and abilities. Being on the receiving end is a humbling experience, but a healthy one that will develop a long-term attitude of gratitude – IF YOU NEED IT. I know you have heard it all your life, but to experience the essence of Acts 20:35b (“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”) will mean much more to you if you have been on the receiving end because you were in need. I encourage you to focus on the giving end so Deity will not have to “help you” understand the value it brings to your life. After all, your Father God has plans for each of His children. Those plans are that you may be mature – regardless of what circumstances are required to get you there. Your choice – give or receive.
Love Dad