The only thing I like that is remotely associated with
the word blindsided is the
movie - The Blind Side. My boys have always known – don’t
ask in front of others because I will not answer the way you might want. Always – always give me a heads up.
You and I both know that with children – that really
never completely works (although my boys were really good). And as I found
out today – it doesn’t so much work in life either.
When I went to work for the Texas Workforce Commission in
June of 2009 I was only given a year – and four years later I can say that I
have completely loved the experience and the opportunity. I work with some great people (particularly
Rebecca in the Graham office) and I have absolutely LOVED helping the clients
that walk through our door. It is a joy
to be a part of a solution for
others.
The first letter I received looked like this:
I knew that my job was supposed to end in June of 2010 – I
knew again it should end in June of 2011 – and again in 2012 and this year I
knew that the chances of the August 2013 ending date were quite likely. I also found out that they found some money so that I did not lose
my job immediately after that sequester event.
BUT I was a bit blindsided
today. (Okay bit is understated….).
Always before my supervisor has gotten word – this time
they sent the letter – no verbal warning – just a letter.
Yuck. Now I can be
my own client in this movie of mine ……… Perhaps I should request that my nephew
produce a different version of letting someone know that their job ends….
I let a couple people know and one of those sent the
perfect letter to me.
Here’s that letter (the entire letter is below):
A while back we had Senior Sunday at our church. I helped in the kitchen so I missed the
sermon. Our youth minister gave the
sermon and so many were talking about what he shared. (I really must find a way to do both – cook
& hear the sermon!)
Hutt shared that we often times try to figure out God’s
plan for our lives. I am quite guilty of
that wondering what in the world I am
supposed to be doing….. Where does He
want me – where should I turn – how do I get there – will it really work out…… You
know all of those questions that run through our minds.
Hutt told our body of believers that day…….
Don’t get caught up
in wondering about God’s plan for your life – find God where you are and the
plan will unfold.
Find God where I
am.
Seek Him.
After all “my name
is the child of the one true king….” A song that I am sure I have heard before
but it came on the radio as I was driving to work today…..
Comfort food just for me! Yummy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole - so good. I will post the recipe under my recipe tab (ironically the recipe is from one of our clients that we have helped send to school!) ..... Then this for dessert or lunch or dinner or midnight snack (I really don't do midnight snacks....) This is the Apple - Pear Crisp I posted about last year - I love this stuff. I even had some mangos that I added this time. It is so easy and good!
I truly am just fine. I knew this day was coming - just did not know it was today and the letter was a bit "cold" but that is okay too. But I still felt like it all warranted comfort food and a blog post to remind me Who really is in charge.
That friend's wife sent me this message:
She said she would join me in the hallway - feel free to come sit with us too.
Here’s the letter in its entirety:
Praising God for Closed Doors
We need to learn to praise the
Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes
doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn’t
close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.
God directs our path through the
closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your
course. Another door closes, it forces you to change course again. Then,
finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.
The Lord directs our paths
through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising Him for the
closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we “judge by
the appearances.”
You have an ever-present help in
the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of
you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour
accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks
or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start
crying, “Lord, how could You have done this to me?” We have to realize that the
closed door can be a blessing. Didn’t He say that no good thing would He
withhold from them that love Him?
If you get terminated from your
job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it
might be another job, it might be school. If that man or woman won’t return you
call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock. Just
let it go.
One time, a person had a bank
they had been in business with for many years tell them ‘no’ to a $10,000 loan.
The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000
at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering!
We can sometimes trap ourselves
in doubt and discouragement through judging appearances. Be grateful for the
many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most
unexpected places.
The Lord won’t always say in
spoken words: “Go to the left, now to the right”….sometimes He will just close
the doors that are wrong for you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your
heart. Lean not on your own understand. In all your ways acknowledge Him – and
He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.
