Although my husband has been a chiropractor for over 27 years, and in the same office complex for the past 16, we’re having an Open House this Thursday to launch the new face of Amador Chiropractic. It may seem strange to have such an event when nothing has drastically changed. And yet at the same time, everything’s changed. A first glance makes it obvious that we’ve done some redecorating. But the transition is much deeper than outward appearances.
I’ve had a front row seat to Chris’s struggle to discover his purpose over the past eight years—how he can glorify God with his life. For some Christians, this isn’t a cause for concern, but for Chris, it was. He considered missions trips for a while, but God didn’t stir a passion in that direction, so the struggle continued. I told him on more than one occasion that he touched the lives of those he came into contact with every day, but he felt there should be more. Then a few years ago, we were visiting a friend of his—a man who’d been a patient for several years. Chris mentioned his search for some significance for God, and this friend scoffed. “You’re doing it every day—in how you treat your patients.” Hmm. Where had I heard that before? And yet, still, Chris wasn’t convinced, so he continued to seek God’s direction.
Then a couple years ago, God began to change his heart when Chris discovered a technique that would be easier on his hands. Years of manual adjustments were taking their toll, which was what motivated the idea of retirement in the first place. With this new, gentler technique, he discovered a renewed passion for the amazing benefits of chiropractic—allowing the body to self-heal as God designed it. Once that was in place, God revealed more—Chris had not been respectful of the abundant gift of ownership with which God had blessed him.
In seeking purpose outside his work, he’d become complacent. He loved his patients, but the business end of things? Not so much. He hadn’t been paying attention to the daily operation—whether his staff was being built up and encouraged, how the finances were being spent and if business dealings were in line with his Christian values. It was time to clean house. Anything that didn’t align with godly principles and practices needed to be changed—and that included his leadership.
I’ve watched him step up (through the grace of God) and deal with issues that would take a lesser man down. And as he’s faced every challenge head-on, God’s blessed each interaction and decision, while strengthening his character. The passion he once thought he should have for something outside of his business is now honed on the practice and how he can serve God through this gift. Each interaction with a staff member or patient has taken on a deeper significance. Godly leadership in the work place is just as important as godly leadership in the home.
One day, we will all be held accountable for what we did with the gifts God’s given us—whether we were faithful stewards. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. The decisions we make today have eternal impact, not just for us, but for those whose lives we influence. Whatever blessings we’re given belong to God first. If we’re faithful with small things here on earth, we will be given authority over so much more in His Kingdom.
So, when the doors open on Thursday evening for the Open House, what most people will notice right off is that the colors have changed. They’ll take in the new flooring in the reception area and beautiful prints on the walls. The clutter is gone, replaced by openness and organization. But the true change goes much deeper than that. It’s in the character and vision of a man who seeks to serve God as a leader in his business. And isn’t that what God wants from all of us?
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Loved this Jennifer! Can’t wait to see the office as we know the behind story! Love you guys!
It is remarkable how God chooses to use us. It is a blessing when we are able to get even a glimpse of the impact we have on others by the grace of God.