This is the nutshell version of how/why I left NEATfreaks after 18 years to start this new adventure with God!
My husband and close friends know I have been thinking about leaving cleaning for at least 3 years (they might tell you more, I’m sure it felt like more). So the first time this thought occurred to me I realized I didn’t like the idea of leaving my clients. Turns out that was okay because it wasn’t time to leave yet. The next few times the thought occurred to me new clients began calling (a lot of new clients) from out of nowhere – I wasn’t advertising or making any pushes to build my business, but God was in control and it wasn’t the right time to leave yet. This pattern continued for years (no exaggeration), to the point it became a little humorous to me. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but in the moment there is often confusion and frustration (and incredulity for me).
While all of that was going on I was volunteering in two different ministries – office help at my church and group leader in BSF (in case you are unfamiliar with BSF, check out their website here). Both of these ministries met needs in my life while allowing me to serve others – and I LOVED both very much! A year ago I was asked to pray about taking on a new position at BSF. God opened the doors and I was able to step into the substitute teaching leader (STL) position of my class. Talk about being thrilled and scared – I was both in abundance! This role was a perfect God fit – I had the opportunity to lecture, teach classes, lead groups, welcome new women, and so much more. God used this role to teach me, humble me, and prepare me for His next step.
Little did I know His next step would be to change EVERYTHING! Unbeknownst to me, God was moving in others lives at church so the right position would be available in His timing. When I was asked to pray about this new job I had so many thoughts and feelings, but the predominant one was peace. I knew God had orchestrated everything to bring me to this point. I have a very close friend that does not share my beliefs (she respects them & me, but doesn’t share them) and when I told her I was making this change she knew it was the right thing. How/Why did she know? She could sense the peace coming from me – how absolutely awesome is that?!? God is GREAT!!!
I can honestly say God knows me best, He knew I would need years to get used to the idea of stepping away from NEATfreaks. He knew I would need to learn I can’t do it (whatever “it” is), but He can through me. He knew at this time He had big changes planned for me and He began working on this plan years ago. I said earlier hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it is for many reasons, but for me the #1 reason – I can say with absolute certainty God’s timing is perfect!