by Natalie Smith
When I was 17 years old I was already living on my own. Shortly after my 18th birthday I went to work for a telemarketing operation that sold radio commercials over the phone to car dealers. There, in the company of a bunch of ruffnecks, I learned the basics of the phone pitch, presentation writing, voice inflection — and religion. The owner of the company was the first person in my life to talk to me about Jesus.
After four years I went to work for other telemarketing companies. By age 23 I was making a six figure income. At age 24 I left telemarketing and realized one of my dreams, which was to work for a large sales force selling face to face. It was there at Donnelley Information Publishing that I sold a million dollars worth of yellow page advertising per year, doubled my income, and became the top salesperson in the country. At the height of my career at age 27, money was abundant but peace was elusive.
I had continued to practice my religion, but not as a serious lifestyle. I actually was not aware that religion could be a lifestyle. Like most Americans, I thought of religion as something one practiced once or twice a week almost as a hobby. Nevertheless, I felt God calling me away from my career. I had heard a story about a millionaire in his 20’s who had left his job in search of meaning, and then decided to do the same thing. My employers were shocked that I would just walk away with so much money at stake. But making big dollars was merely fun-and-games for me. I didn’t take it very seriously, which is probably why I was successful at it. But now the money making game was over for me. I felt it in my heart. I had also been doing some modeling at the time and gave that up as well.
My goal became to read the Bible cover to cover at least once before I died. As time went on I began studying scripture like a fiend on a daily basis — sometimes 6-8 hours per day. I also began reading everything I could get my hands on about monasticism. This went on for about 13 years. My studies eventually led me to be confirmed as a Catholic at the age of 35. But even though I considered my Catholicism the greatest gift that God had given me, I needed something more. I was not relating totally to others in the parish.
One evening in the local library I saw a picture of Thomas Merton and there in his face I saw everything I had ever wanted to be in Christ. I felt God calling me to the Trappist Order, and shortly thereafter felt a strong desire to live a monastic lifestyle. This resulted in my living like a monk at home and writing a book that teaches others how to do the same — Stand on Your Own Feet (1-800-264-0368). At the same time I began a religious vocations network for persons wanting to delve more deeply into religious life — Vocations Placement Service, Inc. (1-800-221-1807).
Today, after 13 years away from selling and marketing, my business talents and religious pursuits have come full circle and become intertwined in a way that I could never have never imagined. By demonstrating faith in God by offering my high-paying job and talents as a sacrifice to Him, He transformed my gifts and returned them to me elevated and eternal. God has given me new responsibilities and enabled me to share in His glory.
(For more information on discerning or nurturing vocations please visit the Vocations Placement Service website or call them at 1-800-221-1807.)
