“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV)
For the first time in my adult life, I find myself out of work by a choice other than my own. Being laid off (downsized, terminated –whatever label you use) is a humbling experience. I’ve always taken pride in doing my job well and seeing my employment as a ministry to be performed in Jesus’ name. This time, that wasn’t enough – a corporate decision to cut costs resulted in a dramatic reshuffling of staff.
At my age (late fifties), the prospect of job hunting is a little scary. To be up against all the youngsters out there is intimidating. To think I’ll probably have to interview with one of those youngsters is almost overwhelming.
Yet this “catastrophe” is not without its upside. Being relieved of my job set me free to follow my heart to California, where one of my sisters is caring for our mother. I might have let my feelings of loyalty to my employer delay me. Now that I’m here and see my mother’s condition, I know how wrong that decision would have been.
So here I am, filling in job applications when I’m not caring for my mother, and hoping there is someone out there who will look beyond the age and into the heart of this applicant. I’m managing to stay pretty upbeat about the whole situation. Through all of this, I have felt assured of God’s care and guidance. Like the birds of the air, He provides for me each day. An unexpected refund on a cancelled service, a reimbursement for an expense I had forgotten, an opportunity to do a small task for a fee – all these and more ways He uses to supply my needs. I have what I need today, and I’m trusting Him for tomorrow.
Somewhere, He has an appropriate position for me. I know I’ll find it in His time. Meanwhile, I am taking advantage of the time I have with Mama and resting in the knowledge that I’m more precious to Him than the birds He provides for so abundantly. God is so good!
When times seem difficult, remember His loving kindness. As the old song reminds us: “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” Don’t be discouraged or detoured by the world’s perspective. You matter to Him and He will keep you through adversity! Go to Him in prayer about your needs and rest on His supply.
© 2008 Mary Beth Magee
1 comment:
Not only do you have experience on those youngsters, you have a wealth of knowledge they can never truly acquire. Take heart and know that many are called to new employment at the mid-road of life (going on the estimate that we've got 120 years tops.. so 40 can't be middle age and 50's is only getting there)...
And perhaps this may be the ting you've been blessed with.. no 9-to-5 shackling you out of awesome ministry opportunities?
..a friend's mother's father(his grandfather) passed away yesterday. A mixed thing it is.. very sad that this man is gone and no longer will there be happy memories and moments... but relief that this once strong and vigorous man of faith has been set free from earthly chains and is gone home to the Lord.
May you be blessd with peace during these trials.
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