The Job

I thought I always knew what I wanted to achieve. After college I planned that I'd be a manager at the age of 25 and I was able to do it. But that was my plan, not His.

Five years may be uncomparable to anyone who could have stayed longer in their respective companies, but the fact that even for a freshman like me (way back in 2005) opportunities of growth were well within reach, it was certainly enough to engross myself to the job.

Yes, call me workaholic but I believe I was more than that when it comes to my career. I actually thought I made a god out of it. While I would always declare that I received all these blessings after I became a Christian, I know that, all this time, I was trying to achieve success to yearn for other people's approval. The motive was wrong. I should be asking for His approval instead.

During the last few months I thought I was still in control but instead I had a lot of added issues to go through -- I experienced the most number of sleepless days; I had to see a doctor to check my throat infection; I had to endure the trauma of having someone walk out on me; I had to muster all the courage just to read my emails everyday.

And so I found myself packing to leave the company that I even considered a home. I was in nostalgia as I recall a lot of good memories while going through my stuff. I couldn't help but be more proud of the ideas and talents I was able to share, the life lessons I was able to gain and, of course, the relationships I was able to build.

But the decision was not without anyone's advice. The moments of stress were my moments of grace. I was crying out to God again for answers, and He spoke to me through the following verse:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

For the first time, I am not planning my life alone. I am planning it with God by my side. I felt even more successful knowing that I achieved more than a title.

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