Jen’s Gem: Blessings will chase you when you chase after God.

When I was in corporate America, I spent alot of my time trying to convince my female managers that I deserved a promotion. I would watch other less-qualified people move up the ladder faster than me and it was frustrating.

My colleagues always thought I was at a higher level than I was. When I was a manager, people thought I was a director. When I was a director, many thought I was a vice president. Vice President. Those two words consumed my world for years. To me, achieving that level of success was the cat’s meow.

This distinction finally came when I reported to a male manager. Within months of his arrival, I was given a task that if completely successfully would earn me the promotion. I worked my fingers to the bone, gave up time with my very young children, lost ten pounds, but I got my coveted title.

Vice President.

I held that title for a few years until I was laid off. When I searched for work during the Great Recession, the title hurt me as companies were looking for people in lower-paying roles. I found myself “dumbing down” my resume so that I could secure a job to support my family.

I would never see that title again.

Sometimes I  wonder if I’d have stayed “under the radar” if I’d still have that job. If I wouldn’t have pushed to move up the ladder, would I still be toiling away in a corporate cubicle with a predictable paycheck and benefits? I don’t know.

Here’s what I do know. Whatever it is that you are chasing is really chasing you. (Click to Tweet!) So the question becomes, what are you chasing? Is it for your benefit or will it hurt you? Will it bless other people or hurt them?

In some respects my “Title Triathlon” greatly benefitted me as it led to a healthy bank account balance and a deeper skillset. But it also robbed me of precious time with my kids that I will never get back. There’s always a cost isn’t there?

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

These days my title chases are long gone. Today the title of “Mom” and “Believer” are the two titles that mean the most to me. These two descriptors bring me blessings every single day. When I leave this world, they are the titles for which I want to be remembered. I love my kids and I love Jesus. This is what I am chasing after now. This is where my heart is.
God doesn’t care what’s on your business card. He cares about what’s in your heart. (Click to Tweet!)

What are you chasing today?