Climbing The Ladder To Success, A Reflection

                                   Climbing the Ladder to Success

                                                   A Reflection

Eileen Renders

   As young adults, most of us have a goal in mind, for some it is to become a celebrity, for others it is a Lawyer, a pilot, or even a Scientist. Due to obstacles such as health, opportunity, finances, or a change of heart, many do not attain their goals. In reflection, some of us come to believe that our original goals were incompatible with who we are becoming.

   Somehow, our heads are turned around, and we find ourselves headed in a direction where we never imagined we might be led. Yes, we may have become influenced, or even become led. For some, there are many turns in the road, and we attempt a few different careers, realizing we are not sure of where we are most suitable, or what is most compatible with our hearts and lifestyle.

   Academic Counselors often assist us in Colleges to provide insight into where we might show strong abilities, and therefore more inclined to pursue a career. There are those of us who spend time and “pray on it” for God’s guidance to show us where He wants us to be, and we can never go wrong following God’s lead. Where He might lead some of us is often surprising as we never had an inkling that where God leads us would have been our own choice.

   However, when God leads, and we willingly follow, life becomes comfortable, and there is such joy in doing what pleases God. God rewards His followers with wisdom, courage, energy, joy, and always a sense of doing what is right.

   Yet, how do we reflect and pray to God for guidance in our lives knowing that we are going to God, praying, listening, and making the right decisions as we go forward? From my personal experience, and as one who was spared death as a young person, and felt God in my life, I found that to feel comfortable that God is motivating us so that we move in the right direction, I persistently and continuously made a sincere offering to Him, praying for acceptance. My gratitude prompted me to want to offer something to God, which I initially believed could be impossible, I felt what could God want or need from me.

   This led me to consider what was the greatest gift God gives to all of us. That was easy, of course, it is our free will. To choose and do what we believe is right for each of us. But, do we know what is right for us? I began some years ago, sincerely offering, no not just offering, but begging God to take my free will and replace it with His will because I never wanted to hurt Him again. I prayed; “Jesus, lead, and guide me, direct, and correct me.”

   After several years, I truly felt God’s acceptance. My life was changing, and I felt the changes, although I did not feel that where I was heading was all through my effort. Doors opened, I became inspired and motivated, and money was not my goal. It wasn’t the “future”, it was about today. Going to God with sincerity, consistency, and willingness will bring more rewards than any earthly title. I like to keep in mind that life itself is terminal.

   Understanding that at the end of life, we will be judged by how we lived, and not by what we have gained is how we will be rewarded is a good way to decide who we want to work for.