I will never forget what my boss said the day I started my first "real" job at the engineering firm where I had been a college intern. After filling out the paperwork, he said, "We are like a family. No one ever quits, and no one ever leaves. We love it here and we hope you do too."
For seven years, I enjoyed being the youngest member of that family. There were ups and downs, but for the most part, I loved my job. I never gave serious thought to leaving, and I thought I would end my career at the same company where I started. I had a six minute drive to work, and things were perfect.
When the call came to go to the conference room one Monday morning in August, my thoughts were on my upcoming vacation. We had all heard the rumors, but no one gave them much credence. When I got to the room, the company's smartest engineer was already among those there. I made the smart comment: "Well, Dave, if you're here, I'm relieved. This isn't going to be a layoff meeting."
It turns out, it was. An hour later, I was packing my things, and wondering how I would tell my wife. She was home, painting the house so it would be finished before we left town. Panic was setting in. As I pulled out of the office parking lot, I remember saying to myself, "God, I cannot do this alone." Truthfully, it was said more in vain than as a prayer.
When I arrived home, though, I felt a deep sense of calm and well-being as I gave the news to Becky. She took the news well. After talking it over, we decided that it made sense to get my resume and some cover letters out, and then go on our vacation anyway. The trip turned out to be one of the greatest vacations we ever had, and it did much to relieve the stress we were both facing.
It was only later that Becky and I revealed to each other that we were both panicked, but felt a need to remain calm to reassure the other that it would work out. And, it did work out. I'll never forget, though, that feeling of calm and well-being. I felt that God had brought that sense of peace to me, and through Becky, had assured me that she would pull through this as well.
Prayer: Lord of Lords, God of Gods, your mercy and love for us knows no bounds. Help us to remember your love for us in those times we begin for forget it. Amen.
Prayer Concern: the unemployed and those struggling financially.
Thanks for sharing your story, Kyle.
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