coincidence? bah...

i have to really stretch my imagination and wiles to attribute all the 'happenings' in my life to mere 'coincidence' or 'luck' or any outcome of some superior planning of mine. it really just boils down to one thing - God...

in the past year, i have been set on the "beginning of the rest of my life" train (or rollercoaster, depending on u'r perspective), and i can say that i am SO BLESSED and SO HAPPY because it's finally happening to ME!!!

in 58 days, i will be marrying linnet, who just happens to be the woman of my dreams! i will be moving into a new house, yet to be determined. and i'll be moving into a brand new job! my stint in the real estate business is finally over. it's been tough to leave, because i really do love my company, and especially the people here - especially since baggy works here now!

about 4-5 months ago, God gave me a vision of great encouragement to me. i guess if anything, it confirmed what i really felt in my heart - that there can be great and mighty things to happen, BUT, only if i take a bold step forward to TAKE that which God has in store. i thot and prayed and reflected again on this, and what i thot it meant. i had a strong sense of just moving forward - and that resources would be given so that i would be able to care for my own family, my parents, and also my brother's ministry. i shared this w/a bud in 180.. and we prayed over it.

there has always been only one firm that i would have considered moving for - and that's fidelity investments. they happen to be the largest pure fund management company in the world, and in my eyes - the most elite, and the best. so i figure, if i have sights, why not set it up to the top - only cuz w/God, anything is possible, amen? well - a "chance" encounter during a tour of 2 IFC for a group of investors from the US where i kinda lost my group and ended up waiting in the lobby for 1/2hr, where i then bumped into my old supervisor from my job in HK 10 years ago... who i then forward my resume to after i get this new 'vision of grandeur'.... who then gave my CV to a contact at fidelity... who then asks for an interview w/li'l ol' me...

i just can't believe that luck and circumstance had anything to do with it. especially after going thru this once before in my life that 'coincidentally' turned into my salvation... just before that first interview, on my way to 1 IFC, where my new office will be, i 'happen' to bump into andrew - an elder at the church. i tell him where i'm going, and he's says something that sorta sums it all up: ”hey - good luck, cliff. but then again, we don't much believe in luck anyway, huh? don't worry about it, cuz God's got it all taken care of already. bless you, mate”

i have to confess that it hasn't been an easy time. wondering about careers and whatnot is not an easy thing to endure. that level of uncertainty and the questioning of whether we are 'in God's will' can sometimes untrack us from the path He actually intends for us to ride on. i've learned this through so many lessons... that after each time and each season of change, i'm left in awe at the way His hand is always so evident. the secret to not worrying? it very simple! serving God is not necessarily the act of doing things for God - you can do all you want, church service or no... but it's not going to mean a thing if your heart and attitude are all wrong.... as linnet always points out to me - God knows!

anyway – praise GOD! i’m starting august 1 – and w/my end date set for the 21st, I’ll have a nice 10 day holiday to relax, golf, and catch up on my share of the wedding prep! only 2 more weeks to go!