Is God Throwing Rocks at You?

That's some title for a blog post, isn't it? I used it because I have been reflecting on my wide circle of friends and aquatainces. You see, I have been blessed with the opportunity to make friends with and get to know so many people, literally all over the world. If you think of each person as a stone or rock, then you realize how we are all very much alike but also very different and unique!

The people I know come in every shape, size, color, ethnicity, religon, and nationality. What I have been reflecting on is how these relationships have shaped me into the person I am today. For example, I have a fairly calm and even keel dispsition. Sure, I can get flustered and agitated like anyone but on the whole, I am not usually one to fly off the handle and get my dander up. My Dad was a lot like that but I have also had managers and friends that were that way and because I admired their composure, I took on more of those traits. I am also a tollerant person and with the most recent election behind us, I can tell you that I was able to listen to and respect the opinions of my network without feeling compelled to 'correct' what others might consider 'incorrect' thinking. For that, I can again thank my Dad but also numerous friends who over the years have shown me that issues are far more complex that right wing or left wing, Republican or Democrate, Baptist or Methodist, Black or White. We live in a complex world and to boil every topic down to right or wrong is just not possible. And while I could go on about how these people have helped form me into who I am today, I think the real story here is that God put all of these people in my life and continues to order my steps so that I can continue to grow and stretch into the person he has planned.

You see, I believe God has a plan for my life and to fullfil that plan, he has all of the right people, circumstances, opportunities, and even obsticals lined up so I get where He wants me to go. The good and the not so good people all serve a purpose. Sometimes, the hard to deal with folks are there to help you in ways you don't realize until much later.

I liken the 'difficult' people in my life to rough rocks verses smooth stones. I had a stone tumbler when I was a kid. It was a motorized device that you used to turn rocks into smooth stones. You would fill the container with stones, water, and maybe some sand. When you turned on the tumbler, the combination of turning, water, and sand would eventually wear the rough edges of the rocks down until you had smooth and shiny stones. That is how I see the 'diffcult' people in my life. I may not enjoy being with them but over time, they end up wearing down my rough edges and make me more of a stone than a rough, dirty rock. Everyone in my life has a purpose, just like I have a purpose in the lives of others. That is God's wonderful way of getting us from point A to point B in the grand plan of our lives.

I am very thankful for the people God has put in my life and I am thankful for His continued interest in seeing me grow in His promise of love. Who are the people in your life that are cleaning up your rough edges? Are you letting them shape you and mold you? Are you being a blessing in the lives of others in return? If not, thank God for the opportunities and then go knock some rough edges off. You may find you shine up in the process!

Now go out there and make some mistakes!

Many years ago, I worked for an electric utility. It was my first job out of high school and was the way I put myself through college. The job was a meter reader. Yes, I was the popular guy that walked from house-to-house reading the electric meters that would eventually be the basis for your monthly electric bill (please remember this is a Christian blog and keep the comments clean :-) I would occasionally drive a pick up truck on my routes and as you can imagine, the more you drive, the more opportunity there will be for accidents. Of course, it happened to me and to say the least, I was devastated. Would I loose my job? Would it end up costing me money? It wasn't even my fault but I was responsible for the truck, what would happen to me?

Well, as with any large company and one with plenty of people to do 'investigations', my accident was assigned to the local safety manager. He was a nice guy and we had met before but now things were different. I wasn't the newbie that he could train, I was now the one being investigated. I will never forget what he told me, he came right out and said "the people that don't make mistakes are the ones not working." Basically what he was saying was that if you are out there trying to do the right thing and trying to do your job, there will be times when things happen that are unintended. Mistakes. Everyone makes them and if you aren't making them, then you are doing it wrong!

I was reminded of this story today when I read this blog post from someone on LinkedIn. It made me think about how I made mistakes at work but it also got me to thinking about the mistakes I make daily in my walk with Christ. But just as the safety manager tried to settle me, so too does Christ. None of us are perfect and we will all sin each and every day. Rather than beat ourselves up over our mistakes and failures, we need to learn from our mistakes and try to do better each and every day. What a great feeling to know that yes, I made mistakes today but the sun will come up tomorrow and I will have a chance to get it right on that day. What a wonderful gift! As long as we are trying, we will make mistakes and as long as we keep trying, God will continue to love us and prosper us in all that we do, mistakes and all!

Are you so afraid to fail or make a mistake that you end up doing nothing? Step out in faith and be willing to dust yourself off when you fall down, and you will fall down. Just don't let the failure or mistake define you, instead learn from it and grow in Christ!

Measuring Success

I believe every day that God wants me to be happy. That doesn't mean He will never let me be sad and as a wise man once said to me, "you cannot know happiness without knowing sorrow". Okay, I am paraphrasing but it does make a lot of sense.

Today, I read a blog post by Sir Richard Branson, founder and CEO of Virgin Group. I won't say I am an avid follower of all things Sir Richard but this post got my attention. Basically, what he is saying, if you chase happiness, success (and money) will follow. If you chase success, then maybe not so much.

So, my point today is not to really discuss business, although I do enjoy my work, it really is to point out that being happy or pursuing things that make you happy will lead to success. Do you like to help others? Are you doing something that will leave the world a better place or improve the lives of others? Those are things that can make you happy and if they do, then don't you count that as also being successful? I certainly do and I know for sure that God does.

Go out and choose to be happy, look for ways to make a difference. Success will be measured in more ways than a paycheck or a balance sheet.

Jesus Take the Wheel

Do you remember this song from a very new American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood? It was her first commercial hit after winning the Season 4 (2005) American Idol competition. If it isn't familiar, it is about a single mother traveling on an icy road to her parents home, her baby asleep in the rear car seat. It is late at night, she hits a patch of ice while driving and the car spins our of control. As she realizes what has happened, she releases the steering wheel and prays for Jesus to take the wheel. It is at that moment she realizes she is trying to control her life when it would be better to let God take control. The car comes to rest, safely on the side of the road and the near accident turns out to be a wake up call to make a change in her life.

I am reminded of this song and it's meaning because of things going on in my life. I am at a place where I will soon have to make choices. Choices that will impact where I live, my work, and how I spend my professional and personal time. In other words, really big changes to my life and that of my family. I can't say that I am excited or that I am afraid, although, I am sure those feelings are there. No, what I feel is uncertainty. However, I continue to believe that God is working on my behalf and that I will make it through these choices and still be on the path He has for me. What I am beginning to realize is that whatever path I do end up going down, whatever choice I make, it isn't something that is final. What I mean is that it is part of my journey. Is this THE job God wants for me? I'm not sure but if it is, He will make it known and if it is not, He will make that known too. I know what I want but what does God want? I am sure to find out soon enough. Perhaps this whole process is a set up for the big dream he has put inside me or maybe THIS is the big dream and I just can't see it yet. Regardless, I am handing over the wheel to God and going to let him do the driving. In a way, it is kind of nice to leave it in his hands because I know He won't steer me wrong.

How many times do we fight God over the plans he has for us? Are you in a job that you know you need to leave but are staying because you are afraid of change? Are you associated with the wrong people but you won't give them up because you worry no one will be your friend? Deep down, you know God has big dreams for you, things that can only happen if you let go of the wheel and let Him take control but it is hard. He won't fight you for control but he will tug on the wheel from time-to-time to see if you are ready yet. How do you know it is His plan? How do you know He will take the wheel and get you safely to your destination? Because He has promised you he will take care of you and God never breaks a promise.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

What are you holding on to and do you need to give God the wheel? Can you let Him do the driving?

Stepping Out In Faith

I struggle a lot. Some times it has to do with my words, maybe giving thoughtful prayer, or in relationships. I am sure that I am not that different from anyone else but these struggles still are part of my life and like so many, I want to address them and not let them continue.

One area where I struggle is in stepping out in my faith. It isn't so much that I am conflicted but that I am confused. Should I volunteer for a mission at church or is that my calling? Should I focus on a certain job or is God waiting to bless me with something greater that fulfills my dreams and gives me the destiny He has in store for me? Should I start that book He has put in my heart to share My Everyday Faith with others? Now, as I start to write some of this out, it seems like I never get anything done for the apparent conflicts in my life! Still, I believe that we all struggle with big and small acts of faith every day.

Just like I did with prayer, today, I vow to focus on getting in agreement with God and stepping out in my faith. Some of these things are things that God clearly wants me to do and for whatever reason, I am not ready or comfortable committing. Still others are not so obvious and I need to learn to let God lead me and trust Him to make the way where, in my simple vision, I can't see a way.

Are you stepping out in your faith? Are you trusting God to lead you down the right path? How about we all take just one step today that is a bit outside of our comfort zone but clearly on the path God has for our lives. I believe if we do that, God will bless us in ways we have never imagined!

My Everyday Words of Faith

How many times a day do you say things like this:

• I can't...
• I'm not...
• I don't believe...

Or some negative comment about yourself?

Even if it is once a day, that is one time too many! God loves you and created you for great things. But we have to do our part too. You see, God has given us great power with our words. If you say negative things, things that are not in agreement with God's words, then the fullness of His goodness will never get to you. Sure you may have a good life but just think of all the goodness and grace you are leaving out of your life by not agreeing with His words!

You can do all things through Christ and when your words align with that mentality, there really is no limit to what God will do for you.

So, think positive thoughts, align your words with God's words, and step out and believe that what you are saying (and ultimately what God is saying) will come true.

My Everyday Prayer

I posted a while back that I needed to do a better job of praying. I personally struggle with it and find that I lose my focus very quickly when I try to send up a silent prayer. As it would happen (and not by chance, I think), I have listened to messages recently that touched on keeping your focus and part of the messages had to do with keeping your focus when you pray. So, who knew that there were others out there like me?

Now, I am not professing to be an expert in all things prayer related but I have found myself being more focused on my prayers. I pray for the right words to say on an interview. I pray to have God guide my steps for the day. I pray for a safe trip to have the car serviced. I also pray to thank God for my blessings, both received and yet to be received. Now, don't get me wrong, I still struggle with focus but I have started by keeping my prayers short and to the point. I really don't think God minds that I talk to him several times a day verses one whopping big prayer in the morning and another at night. I also find that I am turning more of my life over to God with each prayer. You know, things like give the right words to say, guide my steps, present me with the right opportunities. These are prayers asking for God to reveal his plan and less about me trying to force my plan and justify it with prayer.

Certainly, I have a long way to go and I look at my daily walk with God as a journey, not something to check off my to do list. Still, it is a nice feeling to see that when I do turn more over to God that more things tend to happen. Prayer is helping me do that and for that eye opening revelation, I am truly thankful.

Open up to God in little prayers every day and throughout the day and see how you begin to grow in His goodness and grace. I am eternally thankful for all He has done for me and I am constantly surprised how He continues to prosper and bless me each and every day. Who wouldn't want to talk to God when you see these things happening? Well, time to pray again!

Testimonials

tes·ti·mo·ni·al

   /ˌtɛstəˈmoʊniəl/ Show Spelled[tes-tuh-moh-nee-uhl] 

noun

1. a written declaration certifying to a person's character, conduct, or qualifications, or to the value, excellence, etc., of a thing; a letter or written statement of recommendation.

2. something given or done as an expression of esteem, admiration, or gratitude.

Growing up in the south and as a Methodist, if I heard someone say, they were 'giving their testimonial' I knew they were talking about getting up in front of their church congregation to talk about how they were a lost soul but gave their life to Christ and became born again. Honestly, I am not sure the use of the word is grammatically correct but again, being from the south, I knew exactly what they meant.

While we Methodist know what a testimonial is, it isn't at the center of our faith. Occasionally, someone will offer up their story but it isn't expected as part of your journey as it is in some other branches of Christianity. However, I often think about the overall expression of a testimonial and what it means. Do we Methodist or other faiths have a similar expression but just in another form?

I believe we do.

I have long held the belief that a testimonial can take many forms, not just the process of standing before your congregational peers and talking about your journey. I also think that a very powerful form of testimonial is by example. You see, I believe that we can all talk a good game, some better than others. And that is not to say that those that speak their testimonials are any less sincere. However, I believe it is by our actions that the expression of our love for Christ is best communicated. I really do think that everyone can do the spoken testimonial but the person that lives the exemplary life and works to do what is right shows me far more than telling me what they are doing.

Is there a place for testimonials in our Christian lives? Yes, by all means. Think of the many stories we hear in our churches, synagogue, and temples each week. Even if they are not being told by the actual participants, they are still a testimony to God's grace. And even when the person standing at the alter is telling their own story of redemption, it is a very moving and powerful part of our faith. But not everyone can tell that story and not everyone needs to tell their story for it to be valid. However, everyone needs to live their testimonial and by doing so, they convey a much stronger message than any written or spoken expression can ever give.

Are you a living testimonial? If you stood before God today, would you be able to tell him your testimonial and would your life match or exceed it? I pray mine will.

Half Full or Half Empty?

Earlier today, my wife and I were watching one of the syndicated morning talk shows. One of the segments on the show was about people that are preparing for natural and man-made disasters (not the Apocalypse). These people are called 'preppers' and they stockpile food, water, ammunition, batteries, basically anything needed to survive for weeks without basic services and supplies.

As the announcer was setting up the piece, my wife asked, would I want to still be living if the 'world' were destroyed by war or some natural disaster. My answer was a resounding yes! In all honesty, I don't think anything like that is going to happen but if it did, I would hate to think I had so little hope that I would not want to be alive. Yes, I am going to Heaven and yes, I know that life in Heaven will be so much sweeter than it is here. However, I also believe that God has a plan for me and that even if the plan were to include some huge disaster, that if He didn't take me as part of that event, that He would want me to be here to see and do things that only He can make happen.

Imagine, helping those left behind recover, that would be God's grace in action. Rebuilding homes and lives so people could get their lives in order, that would be God's eternal hope. Or think about all of those people that were not sure how to go on and helping them find that God is in control and giving them a reason to live, that would be the miracle of God's unconditional love. I could never miss being a part of that. Sure, it wouldn't be easy. God never promised a life without suffering or pain but He is here for us and if we accept Him and have faith in Him, we will be able to do all things through Him.

So, the answer is a resounding yes, if God kept me here, then I would want to be here. It would mean he still has plans for me and I want to take every opportunity, good and bad, to see his plan for me come to pass!

Being Thankful for What You Have

It is easy to get down and think about all the things you are missing out on. You didn't get the car you wanted, the house that you put an offer on went to someone else, or maybe you had a crush on that special person at work but found out they are dating someone else. You just seem to always come up short. Or do you?

Being thankful for what you have isn't a really hard concept but from time to time, we all seem to struggle with it. It seems to be the hardest when we have either been knocked down a few times or maybe when we have been praying for something to happened and it just doesn't. But we all have to remember that even when we aren't getting the things we dream of most, that does not mean that God is not still working on our behalf.

No, maybe you didn't get that job you applied for but you still have food on the table and a roof over your head. That is something to be thankful for. Maybe you have been praying for a relationship to blossom from friendship into more but is just isn't happening. Still, you have a good friend and someone that truly cares for you. Or how about the house you tried to buy but the deal fell apart at the last minute. You still have a good home that is safe, dry, and warm.

You see, God works on his own schedule and on his own plan. So, when your dreams aren't happening on your timetable and things don't seem to be working out for your plans. Remember, you still have things to be thankful for and the thing that you should be thankful for the most is that God is working His plan in your life. While you may not see it, you will one day have every thing God has in store for you and your dreams and plans will seem so small compared to what He is planning for your future.

What are you thankful for today?

Thinking Right Thoughts

I've always been a positive person. I remember after my father passed away and I was helping my Mom sort out her personal and financial affairs that there were times when she would get very down. Yes, I realize she had every right to feel this way and I never judged her for those feelings or thoughts. However, each time we would be dealing with a trying matter, I was always able to see things from another point of view. Yes, the paperwork was complicated but if other people had done it, then so could we. Of course it was hard to sort out the finances but now she knew how much money she actually had and was no longer unsure. Absolutely she was lonely but there were others in her shoes that could help her and they did.

Again, I never tried to minimize what she was dealing with and by all means, she was in pain and hurting (just like me) but I always feel like God has a plan. Whatever His plan is for me, I know it will be a good one. Yes, I fully expect there to be times when things are not going my way. Sure, there will be occassions when I want to have my own "why me?" moments with God. But the Bible tells us that God wants us to be happy and live a life of abundance. As I tell my daughter, you cannot know true happiness until you know true sorrow. That isn't to say that we all need to be miserable before we can be happy but think about it, if you never had anything go wrong in your life, how would you ever know when things were going really well?

God knows what he is doing. As long as I keep that in the front of my thoughts, how can I let negative things creep in about what I am going through. Yes, I lost my father but now he isn't in any more pain. Yes, that person hurt me but they must not have been a true friend and it was time for them to move on. Yes, I lost my job but God must have a better plan for me or I would still be working there.

You have to think right thoughts. You have to know God is in control and leading you to where you should be going. How can you not be positive when you know He is in control and cares so deeply for you? I sure can't!

The Numbers Game

I've been in sales for a number of years and I often tell my reps that sales is really just a numbers game. What I mean is that you have to put in the activity before something will happen. Sure, you need to work smart, do your research, and really try to target your clients. But at the end of the day, the more emails you send (numbers), the more calls you make (numbers), and the more meetings you do (numbers) will ultimately result in more closed deals (numbers). It really is that simple.

Well, it is the same way with God. Yes, He wants you to be happy and live the life He has planned for you but He also knows that you have to make the journey before you can live His best for you. Just like there are no short cuts in sales, there are no short cuts to God's best for you. Every day, you need to get up, declare this is God's day and you are going to live it to His best. Every day you will expect God's best for your life. And every day, you will get one step closer to the dreams and plans God has put in your heart. So basically, you are doing the activity (numbers) and with each activity, you are making progress in your life with God.

Have you put in your numbers today? If not, it isn't too late. Thank God for all the blessings and keep working to be closer to Him. With each passing day, you will be that much closer to the very best God has in store for you.

Doors and Windows

You remember that line from The Sound of Music, "where God closes a door, He opens a window". Or maybe you've heard it used in another context but basically, the saying means that what looks like something is ending only means God is setting up a new beginning. It really is a very strong part of my faith and what allows me to take comfort in not knowing all the details of God's plan for me.

You see, throughout my life, I have always felt that God's hand was on me and that no matter what was going on, good or bad, God knew all about me, had a plan for me, and would take me through it. Now, it is very easy to forget this when the good times are rolling. I mean your life is humming along and you seem not to have a care in the world. Then something happens, a relationship ends, a family member passes, or you experience a loss. At those times, it is easy to get caught up in all that is wrong. But I have learned that loss is just a part of life and that there are times when something must end before the next good thing can happen. And while God wants us to be happy, He also knows that we must go through these times to prepare us for the next level of His blessings and sometimes that preparation can be hard or uncomfortable to handle.

The good news is that God will not give you anything you cannot handle and that if you stay in faith and trust him to guide you, you will come out far better than you were before. The relationship that ended was a set up for a better relationship. The job loss was difficult but it was necessary for you to get the better job. The real estate contract that fell through at the last minute was because God had a better place for you to be. The bad things don't just happen, they happen for a reason. God knows you and has a detailed plan for you. Yes, we have to do our part. That includes staying in faith, believing that He is in control and working on our behalf, treating others the way we want to be treated, living a life that is an example of a follower of Christ. Do your part, keep believing, and God will open that window or maybe another door. We really don't have to do this alone and when you can live in the comfort of knowing that God will work it all out, your life will be so much more blessed in the process.

Are you focusing on the closed doors and missing the open windows? Let the open windows bring in God's blessings today. You will be so glad you did.

Patience

It is the waiting that gets to you, am I right?

I am an action oriented person. I like to keep things moving and if I am active, then I am getting things done. I make a list, check things off the list, then make more lists. I am a do-er (is that a word???). For someone like me, waiting is way overrated. I am not one to just sit. Even while watching TV, I have gotten into the habit of multitasking on my iPad or laptop (I wish all this energy translated into weight loss, but that is another subject).

Now that I am in job search mode, it is painful to wait on the follow up. I am engaged, I am in my office every day working on my search. I network, research companies, prepare for my calls, everything you should be doing if you are actively searching for work. But inevitably, I reach a point where I have done everything that needs to be done and I am waiting on someone to get back to me. It isn't that I am impatient with them, they are busy and working other things. Still, I have to fight the urge to be a pest. It isn't easy for me, remember, I want to check things off my list and waiting on others keeps me from doing that.

God works like this too. It isn't that He is too busy or working on other things but He is doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and no sooner than it needs to be done. Learning to be patient can be hard, at least for me. But I have learned that rushing things can have the opposite effect. In a job search, you can rush someone into thinking you are desperate and thus not mature enough for the role they are discussing with you. You can also rush into something that is the wrong fit. When you rush things, you can get the satisfaction of checking things off your to-do list at the expense of doing the right things. What that means is you didn't get God's best and have to back track to go where you are supposed to be not where you ended up.

Now, I am not saying that you need to just sit back and wait on things to happen. God expects us to do for ourselves. We have to walk through the doors He opens, we won't be magically transported there! Still, we get so focused on results that we don't stop long enough to take a deep breath and understand the plan.

I don't pretend to know why things are the way they are and I certainly cannot explain every part of God's plan for my life. However, I have lived long enough to know that He does have a plan for me and it is my responsibility to listen so I can come close to getting it right. Sure, I will make mistakes and take wrong turns. But in my job search, I know God is wants something for me and that I need to have the patience to listen to His direction and not just jump at the first thing that lands in front of me. If I make a wrong move, it isn't the end of the world, God can fix anything but why chase the wrong things when God is putting the right things in place for me? It just takes faith and patience.

Little things

You've heard the saying that it is the little things that matter. It is such a true statement. I have been engaged in a number of calls and basic networking since Monday. I have been overwhelmed by the large and small gestures that people have made to help me in me in the process. It is so hard to be in a place where you feel you have to go asking for favors but I have always felt it was my place to help when someone asked, never asking for anything in return. Now, as I find myself in job search mode, it gives me so much joy to see how so many people are not only willing to talk to me but going to great lengths to help.

But it is the little things that are making me smile. The former boss that has gone to his CEO for leads and introductions for me. It is the former client that is reaching out to his network and making introductions. The former colleagues that are asking to be references, write recommendations, or offer up their own contacts. Each time this happens, I just have to smile. What a joy it is to be blessed by such wonderful people.

However, as I was recalling a short email exchange with the CEO of a local company, I had to tell my wife just how much God is at work in all of this. I don't know what, if any of this will come to but the things people are willing to do for you is no accident. God has put these people in my life for a reason. He is setting the pieces in place to take me places I never dreamed possible. I honestly believe I will look back at this job loss one day and say how it was the best thing that happened to me. Not necessarily because I got a better job or more money but because the window into God's plan that was thrust open as a result. 

So, the next time you are asked to help in a small way, think about how something little can mean the world to someone in need. By answering the call, you are helping fulfill God's plan but better still, you may be planting the seeds for God's help to make your dreams come true too.

God bless!

Just a little talk with God

I struggle with prayer. Not the concept but doing it regularly and in a way that I think is fitting for my relationship with God. I've never been one to pray outloud. I remember as a kid watching Grandma Walton (from The Waltons TV show) say a prayer in bed. She basically closed her eyes, said a silent prayer, then told Grandpa Walton goodnight. It was the first time I realized that I could pray without getting on my knees, bowing my head, and folding my hands. As a result, I felt that if Grandma Walton could be this informal in her prayer, then so could I. But somewhere deep down, I always felt that those informal prayers were not really as valuable as those that were done with a purpose, you know, where I really set down and said, this is a prayer.

But what really is a prayer anyway? Well, in my uneducated way of thinking it is really just talking to God. I know God loves me and has a plan for my life. I am very thankful for all He has done for me and my family. I just don't feel like I express is well or often enough. I also struggle asking for God's support and gifts. I was raised in a southern Methodist church and rightly or wrongly, I always felt that asking God for blessings in our lives was not how things worked. That we should only pray for forgiveness, give prayers of thanks, and then if we needed it, pray for deliverance. Perhaps all of this is why I struggle with prayer. Perhaps I don't really know how to have a conversation with God.

The good news is that I can keep trying. I have learned that God doesn't expect me to be perfect. He knows that every day I will make mistakes but that he loves me and forgives me as soon as those mistakes happen. I am sure I will keep struggling with prayer but I will also keep trying. I do believe it is like most anything else, the more you do it, the better you get at it.

And now, I'm going to go talk with God.

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

It isn't unusual to get so busy living your lives that you just expect things to continue as they always have. Sure, we all have ups and downs but in general, you usually see the small distractions and just keep moving. Then, it hits you from out of nowhere. A sudden death in the family, a job loss, a terminal diagnosis from the doctor, or really any devastating news. What do you do? Where do you go from here? How do you deal with it and how will it get better?

It happened to me this week. Early Monday, I was laid off from my job. I had seen the signs and fortunately, had started looking but it was still a shock. The funny thing about it is that I wasn't really that upset. I mean in over 30 years of full-time work, I have never been laid off and never been without a job. Now that I have a family and obligations, I admit it is scary but I trust God will put the right people and opportunities in my path to take me to the next part of my journey. What that will be, I don't know yet but I have to believe that had I not been saved and have a personal relationship with God, I would be much more stressed about it. I simply know God is in control and it will work out for my good.

What is so interesting is that as I have gotten older, I look at things differently. Sure, I see all the ways God has blessed me and my family. When I see where I am and where I came from, it is abundantly clear He is in charge. But what I saw today was how God himself must feel when one of his children is in pain. Because it was final exam week, my wife and I decided to wait until her exams were over to tell our daughter about my job. The last thing I wanted was for my job situation to be a distraction from her school work and grades. As I told her the news this afternoon, my heart ached for the pain the news gave her. Me? I had been fine and while disappointed, I really had not felt sad or even angry. However, watching my bright and beautiful daughter well up with tears brought me to my knees. Because we have never been through anything like this before, she didn't know how to react but you could tell is was like someone had kicked her in the gut. What did this mean for the family? What did this mean for her fall plans to attend college? How would this impact her life?

As I tried to comfort her, I thought this must be how God feels when one of us is hurt or in pain. We all know that to have true joy, you must occasionally feel pain. But as a father, I don't want to see my child suffer or be in pain and I want only the best for her. Isn't that how God feels about us? Isn't our Heavenly Father just as hurt when we are hurt? I am certain that is how this works. For God loves us as his children and if we are his children, then this is how he feels when we suffer. He also knows we have to go through the hard times to get us to the good times but I really don't believe He is happy until we are happy.

Now that we have the circumstances on the table, where do we go from here? Well, I don't have all of the answers but I do know that God makes a way where no one else can. Just like I told my daughter, I will do everything I can to make things work out, God too has told me that things will be okay. I don't know what that will look like but I trust Him to make the path clear and to put the right things before me to make it all work out. I still have to do my part. I have to look for work and I have to network with my contacts about finding something but I trust and believe that God will put the right people and circumstances in my path now to take me to the next level. I don't know what that will look like and I admit it is a little scary to think about. Still, having my personal relationship with God gives me the comfort and assurance that this is only a temporary setback. I know that one day soon, I will be promoted higher and that what I am going through wasn't really a setback but a setup for what is to come. 

Where do we go from here? I don't know but I do know that God will make it worthwhile!