With less than a year to go before I married the love of my life, Denise, I did the unthinkable. I left a promising career in the corporate world with nothing but a sketch of a plan and a lot of self-confidence as a safety net.
I didn’t take the decision lightly. I had thought a lot about what I was getting into: the role of a husband as a leader and provider. I knew that if I remained in my job, I would fall short in giving my family what they needed. I was comfortable in my job, but I knew I had to go. I prayed for wisdom and for the strength to do what was necessary.
After an honest assessment of what I could do to make ends meet, I jumped. The first few months proved to be busy as I pounced on whatever freelance opportunities that came my way. Soon enough, I came to realize that I needed something more sustainable. The stream of raket would eventually cease, and I knew that employment opportunities available to me would just lead me to the same predicament I had just left. I was completely dependent on God’s provision, believing everything was proceeding according to his plan and yet unable to see more than a few months ahead of me. After a few false starts, He gave me the answer I sought.
It was August 2014, and two of my former officemates were getting married. Both had thought to ask me to host their wedding receptions. They both wanted someone they knew to be on top of their program. And since I hosted most of our company events, they knew I could do the job. I should have been unfazed: I had been performing on stage and hosting for friends for as far back as I could remember. Still, the prospect of accepting payment for my services was daunting—it added pressure. Even more nerve-wracking was the fact that both weddings had seasoned, well-established planners and coordinators at the helm. I saw those two weddings as a golden ticket. It was sink or swim. By the grace of God, and through the skill and professionalism of their other suppliers, both weddings were seamless, beautiful, and memorable. I still had a long way to go, but I knew even then that I had found my profession.
It has now been a year, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’m blessed to be part of a thriving industry. It isn’t all fun and games though. I now look at hosting with a craftsman’s eye. Every client is a fresh challenge, every event an opportunity to try something new and do something more with my talents.
I saw snow for the first time during our honeymoon!
Even as we enjoy the present, Denise and I continue to dream about the future. We have our goals and we continue to strive to reach each milestone. I am still learning a lot about my role as a husband, but after a year of working at my craft, one lesson is clear: where God guides, He provides.
