When you least expect it You may find yourself exactly where you are supposed to be.

Here it is the end of February and my primary New Year’s resolution of promoting my new book seems to have taken a backseat to work. Since retiring from the Landlord business in Arizona some five years ago I began doing odd jobs for folks here in the beach communities of LA County. It seems my services are much needed with the skill set I acquired over the last thirty four years being a roofing contractor and a property manager. I recently made the decision to let my California real estate license expire and am looking to buy a replacement work vehicle to be able to efficiently carry more tools.

My business motto is “No Job Too Small.” My services range from  changing light bulbs for elderly widows, to managing the maintenance of a 20 unit apartment building in Santa Monica, to a variety of projects for an eccentric millionaire on Venice Beach. Last year I persuaded the latter individual to partner with me in a boat which we keep in the water here in Marina Del Rey. I think he saw this as a kind of retainer for keeping me nearby, since he rarely goes on it. Yes, God it truly blessing me from areas one can only dream about.

A few weeks back I was in a local market to get a twelve pack of Rolling Rock on a Friday evening for the boat. At the head of the line was a strikingly tall, blonde female in sunglasses. I was inspired to walk up to her. When I did, I asked her if she had an extra $20. She lowered her glasses and asked me, “what for?” I then pointed to one of my books I had put on consignment with the owner, to the lower shelf of the magazine rack. She picked it up, recognizing the picture on the front cover of the Eastern Gate of the wall around Jerusalem. She told me she was one of seventeen children from an Irish Catholic family, who loved religion, but not necessarily that one. She handed the book to the cashier who then handed it back to me for signing. I walked her out of the store, thanking her for buying my book and she told me she was only in town for a few days and lived in South America.

What are the chances of something like that happening on purpose? When my wife and I pray in the morning we generally ask God to direct our steps during our coming day. We never know where we are going to be lead, but know we must always be prepared for when we get there. When God knows your heart, as mine is in marketing my book, He will help you “kill 2 birds with one stone.” The last thing I wanted to do, moving to California five years ago, was to be in a business where people depended on me. But, that is where I find myself. God’s ways are not our ways; His plans, not ours.

If you find yourself what you believe to possibly be “off course,” think again. It may not be the course you had planned but is most likely the one He did. Grow where you have been planted. The answer you may be looking for is usually right under your nose.

God bless,

P.S. The Barnes & Noble in Marina Del Rey is now stocking my book. I hope they sell out soon. You can also order it from any brick and mortar bookstore or on line at http://www.fredswolfe.com.