Things are coming along with the new job - maybe slower than what I had hoped due to the tough economy. One thing that I'm still getting used to is how differently people perceive me in this new role.
Just yesterday, one of the other sales reps was sitting at my desk chatting, when a gentleman came around the corner from upstairs (we were hosting a college prep event for high school students getting ready for college auditions). The rep at my desk looked up and very warmly and genuinely said, "good morning, how are you today?" Without hesitation, this man threw his hands up and said, "No thanks!"
When I was in full-time ministry, people's perception of who I am was very different than what they think of me now. I was always given the benefit of the doubt. I had instant credibility and respect. People sought me out for counsel and automatically assumed I cared about them and their situation - even if it wasn't always true. I was considered approachable, and people were way more open and honest.
But that is ALL gone! I'm seen now as a schemer with a subterfuge, a money-grubbing cheat plotting to con and pry you from your hard-earned cash. People are cynical. I am not trustworthy and should be avoided if at all possible. After all, you mean nothing more to me than the almighty dollar, right?
Yet I am the same person I was when I served as a pastor in the local church for 14 years. Wow, perception is definitely reality! I could let this bother me, but I don't. It is what it is! I have no control over what people think. I could also let it re-define me, but I won't.
My challenge is to accept, recognize and learn in this new environment, continue to be who I am (real), and work hard to overcome and change this false perception (reality). Some people will get it, others won't. I was told that "all buyers are liars." Maybe in some respect, that's true (even in the nicest, most polite sense), but I refuse to let it warp me and, more importantly, affect how I treat those around me.
My life-purpose has not changed. There is still no sacred and secular compartmentalization in my life. I'm still in the ministry - just not doing it in the security, comfort and convenience of the church walls. I have to work harder at who I am and what I do...it's much tougher out here in the real world.
If you are a Christ-follower, the same is true for you.
On the journey,
Phil
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