Desiring to know more about all kinds of things is the path to knowledge.
As a new insurance agent, I quickly realized that knowledge of my company’s products and how those products could help my clients was the key to success.
Yes, there was a learning curve — a fairly steep one over the first five years. Along with company training, I also enrolled in classes for my Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation through The American College.
That advanced training (10 courses in all) built the necessary foundation that allowed for a successful career.
Perhaps the true key to success is found in our desire to know more — more about our profession, more about our customer and their needs, more about the behavior of others, more about those who are closest to us and more about our Creator!
Many seem unwilling to pay the price, gain the necessary knowledge and skills, and sadly settle on just getting by. How’s your level of desire?
It’s not as though we must necessarily reach a certain pinnacle of success. We all have certain goals that will drive us down the road of life.
Some will attempt to do it on their own. Others will partner and join a team in reaching the team’s desired goals. Some will join unions and learn their skills in trade schools.
Universities are not the answer for all. What’s critical is your desire to please those who are in your corner.
Let me tell you Who is in my corner.
Let me share a young friend’s story. Just turning 27, my friend is an avid golfer who I met on the course when he was attending our local community college.
Over the past seven years, I’ve seen him mature mentally, physically and spiritually. With collegiate golf behind him, for the love of the game he strives to become better than the scratch golfer status he has already achieved.
He also holds down a responsible financial job as a trustworthy team player. He is focused on his work, his family, his golf and his Lord!
As I see it, the Holy Spirit has given him the desire to excel in all aspects of life. It’s been a joy to disciple him from a distance over the past five years.
I know he will be a wonderful example for others in whatever God might have him do later in his life journey.
My Heavenly Father has been directing my path well before I placed my trust in Him in 1984. He knew where I was going before I had any idea at all. He’s guided me every step of the way.
The desire has been there all along. The Holy Spirit picks us up when we fall. He dusts us off and puts us back on the path to pleasing Him in all we do.
Yes, our journey will take some unexpected twists and turns, but truly necessary for His purpose in His plan for our lives.
God has a plan for you as well. In Jeremiah 29:11 we’re told, “’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.’”
He will give you the desires of His heart, if you simply realize your need for Him and allow Him to lead you on your life journey.