Yesterday, my husband’s place of employment announced it will essentially close its doors at the end of this academic year. http://fw.taylor.edu/home/news/news_detail.shtml?inode=77392 After having worked there for 23 years, needless to say, this translates to big changes ahead. Once the initial “trickles” found their way down my cheeks (there may be more tears to come, possibly of the dam bursting variety, but I am just one of those people who emotes via my tear ducts–poor Zach! He is distressed by it, but I realized yesterday that maybe I should tell my teenage son that this is a good husband training opportunity–learning how to handle a woman’s tears!), I began to reflect. I am encouraged that the thankfulnesses, the glass half full moments, the little glimmers of exciting times that just might lie ahead have been able to break through the initial potential for despair and, at least at this moment, seem to be tipping the balance toward hope.
Reasons for hope in place of despair?
1) We are in the same boat many have found themselves in–only ours is much bigger than some have had. We have eight months of employment ahead of us–time to pray, to seek, to plan.
2) We have a support network. An almost instant email after the announcement became public, a call from one of our small group friends, comments on Facebook–all words of encouragement, assurances of prayers. And we don’t travel the journey alone–many have expressed their sadness at the death of a dream, the feeling of loss, yet in the same breath comes an expression of confidence because…
3) The God who brought us to Fort Wayne Bible College/Summit Christian College/Taylor University (same institution of higher education, three different chapters of its history) is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. Though we did not see this coming at this time, He has known it from eternity. He has been shaping us in ways we haven’t realized, getting us ready for this exact crossroad. He will show us which path to take, has already packed our bags with what we will need for the journey, and has promised to be our guide.
You and my first mom ought to talk. You’d have a lot in common right now.
I’m praying for you and your family during this “test”.
Wow … we got the same news on Monday as well. Dale’s plant at GM will be closing by the end of next year. Thanks for the insights.
It is a very scary time of uncertainty, however this is the 3rd time we have been at a plant that is closing and God has always provided and led us. We are confident that he will again.
We also are thankful for friends and family that care enough to encourage and pray.
God is at work even before we know where he is leading. A couple in our small group are going through a lot of struggles financially and have lost there home. She was praising God for the laundry soap to have clean clothes. I went to her the following Sunday (the day before our big announcement) and thanked her for saying what she had becauses it reminds us all of what we take for granted. The next day the news came … we even take our jobs for granted many times. So I do praise God for his guidance and leading even in this time of uncertainty.
I will be praying for your family as I also ask your prayers for ours.
Diane
Chuck–thanks for the prayers.
Diane–We will definitely be praying for your family. I’m not sure which is more challenging to think about–having a forced job change when you have a young family, or when your nest is emptying out. They both have their issues. But, I find myself more and more often going to the truth that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” I’ve been hammering that into kids brains–and hopefully the Holy Spirit has planted it in their hearts– for the past four years as I’ve been teaching religious education. Now, I’m not doing that any more but the lesson is there for me!
Amy,
You are very special and important to all of us, as is your family. God loves you so much and he WILL provide for all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Bless you.
We’ve been in your shoes twice. It’s a very difficult place to be and I wouldn’t choose to go through it again. But looking back, we see how God worked in our family’s life because of those circumstances and we wouldn’t have missed those opportunities for anything. It taught us and our children about trust. Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel unsettled…it’s only natural as you work your way through this. We’re among the many who will be praying for you.
Praying for you, friend.
Emily, Karin and Jerry, Stacey–Thanks for your encouraging words and prayers. Another one of those life challenges where you ask “How do people outside of the family of God walk through this?” I know each of you knows the secret. Thanks for being part of it aimed in our direction.