By Niki Work
Working in medical administration for 11 years can change your life. Well, it sure did mine. I loved my job and my life— my crazy, stressful life. Sounds like how many live now, doesn’t it? Work deadlines, groceries, soccer field, homework, repeat. I was on the hamster wheel of trying to do it on my own. And trying to do it all on your own is just TOO MUCH. We weren’t made to do it alone and I was learning what that meant for my life.
Books and music speak to me…I mean really get me. I cry at the drop of a hat with either one. So, God knew when he placed a book in front of me that would change my life. This was one of those books where you highlight almost every word. The book was The Best Yes by Lisa Terkeurst and it challenged me to stop living for the demands of the world and start living for Jesus. I let life (stress, comparisons, greed…) take me away from God. The author of the book, Lysa states,
“In Gods plan, you’ve got a part to play. If you know it and believe it, you’ll live it.”
My personal relationship with God, my relationship with my husband and my children had all suffered. I knew something had to change. I knew I needed to live and knew it was time to make a move.
Moving for me looked like going on a mission trip to Honduras. Talk about a beautiful country! The rolling hills, the perfect weather, the people with the most beautiful smiles and hearts that are filled with joy, can put things into perspective very quickly. This trip showed me what it truly meant to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It showed me what a true servant looks like and I knew there was more to the part I was to play.
Returning to the states, I knew things had to be different. Going against the grain and taking the narrow path looks like putting all your eggs in one basket, so to speak. But going all in for God is just that! Putting your entire life in his hands. I knew what I was told to do. I knew God was calling me to leave my job, but to go where? My mind questioned, I have a family I can’t just leave! I believe God wanted to test me and ask my heart a simple question, “Will you be obedient?”
God is in the small things and a simple text message started a new journey. My journey to Care Net was to leave a comfortable life for an uncomfortable one. I went from full time to part time and it was the best decision I could have ever made. I now had time for God, for my family, and me! I joined Care Net as the store manager for LoRitas Open Door second hand boutique. I was able to use my passion of serving others for a greater cause than myself. God is faithful!
LoRita’s is such a blessing to me and others. The stories I get to hear and be a part of are immeasurable. Now, I’m 8 months into the beautiful mission of Care Net. I am expectant as to what God will do in 2018 here. As I now transition into Director of Advancement, I’m reminded again of God’s faithfulness. And how going all in for God can be a life changer!
