I know what it feels like to be scripted. While I was growing up, my parents had a script for my life that protected me when I found myself lost in another script of the neighborhood gang. My father had a dream that his children would take over his landscape design business and experience greater success than even he had seen. Both my parents saw my future in the family business, but I struggled to believe it was the right path for me. Yet even when I was trying to go my own way, they never once wavered or gave up on the script they had for me. They continued to believe in me and gave me room to assimilate the character God had shown them inside me. They could see greatness within me, but I struggled to see it. They had to trust that God’s script would resonate louder than the script of my friends.

At seventeen, I didn’t understand that going to work on the weekends with my dad was doing more for me than just teaching me the family business. I couldn’t see the diligence, excellence, and responsibility being molded into me. All I knew was that every Saturday and every summer vacation I was going to be with my dad mowing lawns, digging ditches, and planting plants at some mansion in Santa Barbara. But now I can see how the ink from God’s pen was constructing the storyline of my life. Every experience growing up would soon find its place in my destiny as an adult. I encourage you to trust the hand of Him whom you have trusted with your heart.

One day on the driveway of our home, I shared with my dad the news that my employment application was being considered at the city building department. I proudly explained that I would be making twelve dollars an hour instead of the six I was making with him. I was confident he would share in my pride and joy as I pursued a successful career just as he had done. Why would it matter if I was working for someone else? Surely he would just be proud of my decision not to settle for minimum wage. Success was important to him, so I eagerly awaited his approval.

My father sighed as he looked at me and said in Spanish, “Sergio, you’re going to be making twelve dollars an hour working for another company when you could be making an unlimited amount working for yourself. This business is yours. Everything I do is for all of you. Don’t you see you’re already a millionaire?”

That statement infuriated me because I didn’t feel like a millionaire. And when I read my bank statement, I knew I wasn’t! But what my dad said next revolutionized my mentality about the acquisition of wealth. He said, “You’re the boss here. What boss leaves his position to become someone else’s worker? Think bigger, Sergio.”

I was stunned at his words. In my father’s script, I was the boss. In my script, I was the worker. His words changed everything for me that day. I refused the position with the city, took the pay cut, and never again questioned whether I was doing the right thing or making enough money. Over time my brothers and sisters came together in taking over my family’s business, fulfilling my father’s dream. Today, I’m proud to say that my father’s script of success for his children is being carried out.

- Excerpt from The Heart Revolution book by Sergio De La Mora. Purchase your book today from Amazon.com