On Vacation
In my business, I’ve got a couple of people who help me get loans across the finish line. I have a shared Loan Officer Assistant who handles the front-end setup — getting the file started and tracking down any initial documents that might be missing from the borrower. Then I’ve got a shared processor who helps keep everything moving during the loan process and makes sure the file is complete and ready to close.
These two are absolutely critical to what I do. Without them, I’d be stuck trying to manage one or two loans at a time, unable to get out there and build new relationships or bring in new business. They help me stay focused on what I do best.
Every now and then, one of them takes some well-deserved time off (thankfully not both at the same time!). And when that happens, things naturally get a little tougher. I’ve got to step in and cover the gaps — follow up more closely, answer more questions, and pay attention to every little thing coming in from different directions. It’s extra work for sure.
When I first started in this business, it really threw me off when one of them was gone. I struggled to juggle all the moving parts while still trying to generate new business. I’d get bogged down in the details and lose focus on the bigger picture.
But over time, I’ve learned.
Experience — and maybe a little grace — has taught me how to keep things moving even when the team isn’t at full strength. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot smoother now than it used to be.
So let me ask you: how do you handle it when a key person on your team is away? Does it completely derail your business, or have you built systems and habits that help you stay steady until they return?
A Real Christian Businessman learns from these moments. He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t tell everyone at the water cooler, “I’m buried — Jimmy’s on vacation and I can’t keep up!” Instead, he quietly steps up and does what needs to be done. He takes ownership, trusts God for strength, and keeps serving clients with excellence.
And when that teammate comes back from their well deserved time off and asks, “How’d things go while I was gone?” you don’t say, “It was chaos without you!” You smile and say, “Everything went fine — but I sure do appreciate all that you do.”
Because we do.
So the next time a team member takes time off, take it as an opportunity to grow in gratitude and leadership. Step up, keep the wheels turning, and thank them when they return. That’s what a Real Christian Businessman does — he serves faithfully, works diligently, and gives grace generously.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” phil 2:3-4 (ESV)