Home for the Holidays, by Thomas Kincaid

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A Blessing in Disguise

Yesterday, my husband called me from the road with the news that he had just been laid off from his job as salesman for a home automation company. This company makes its money from new home construction or the renovation of existing homes, both of which have practically ground to a halt here. Times are very tough and they are tightening their belt, so to speak.

...I consider this a blessing.

Several months ago, my husband was switched from salary to straight commission and, of course, most of his impending sales went dead in the water, as the economy worsened. We have been living on fumes. However, now my husband can pull in unemployment benefits, while taking the time to look for a good job. Our budget will be tight, but we can do it.

I always believe, and I know I may sound like a Pollyanna, that when the Lord closes a door, somewhere else he opens a window. In fact, I've been memorizing a scripture that says this:

"We know all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

So, there we have it from the Big Guy. He didn't say that "some things work together for the good", but "all things" do.

In the past, when I was working, I suffered both a lay-off and also one circumstance where my boss didn't really like me too much and sought to fire me. In the first instance, I had faith that the Lord would somehow bless me, despite a somewhat depressed job market in LA, to find just the right job so that I could still save money for my upcoming wedding. The job that I finally did get was about the best possible scenario I could have ever hoped for. In the second instance, I became medically disabled with a pregnancy and my boss had to pay me disability until after the baby was born, at which time I no longer worked out of the home. Likewise, I know that somehow this course of events will bless our lives, despite my husband's specialized field of knowledge and the worsening economy, as long as we keep our minds and hearts open to the Lord's promptings.

So, despite the "bad" news, both my husband and I are at peace and hopeful for the future.

If you wouldn't mind remembering us in your prayers, I would deeply appreciate it. I will keep you informed as to what is happening.

Love,
Elizabeth

8 comments:

The Feathered Nest said...

I'm so sorry but glad that you're glad Elizabeth, and you are so very right...there's something so much better right around the corner!! Wishing so many blessings for you and your family, xxoo, Dawn

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I love that verse in Romans. And I agree that God works things out in ways that we often cannot anticipate.

I'll pray that your husband finds a wonderful job.

(If you didn't get a chance to read my post yesterday, called "Once in a LIfetime Catch," you might find it relevant.)

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Elizabeth, I will be praying for you. And, you are right when God closes one door He does open another.
Thank you for your comment you left me, and your prayers. Love Nita

Kelly @ The Barefoot Mama said...

I am praying, Elizabeth! You are so right on about ALL things working for good in the Lord. There are oftentimes that I reread Scripture and realize that it is more all-ecompassing than I ever realized...God's Word is amazing. As are you. :o) This post really uplifted me and your beautiful heart is just a joy to be able to read!

P.S. About God's provisions, my sister just got a wonderful job after doing dead-end positions for over a year. She's in a wonderful place in her life and it's like God blessed her for her hard work and steadfast perseverence. He can do anything!

Pattie D said...

Elizabeth,
Thanks for coming by my blog! Yes, we live in Arizona now, a small community 25 miles east of Tucson. We came here because of a loss of job, and quite frankly it hasn't always been what I would consider doors being opened, life has been hard here to say the least. This is probably the last place on earth I would have choosen to move to, but you know Heavenly Father always has a plan for us. I must be a doubting Thomas because I just about convince myself that this thing or that reason is why we are here and then I find lots of reason to doubt. In February of this year, my husband came home from work to tell me he had been laid off. We too felt at peace through the whole process, the only time we would feel some turmoil is when we were looking outside this area for employment. He finally secured a good job with an employer he has never wanted to work for, it is hard for him, but he does it. We have two married children here and one new grandbaby with another due within the next few weeks. Somehow it all works out, we always had what we needed (and more). I know you will make it through this tough time in your life. Sounds like you would make a great seminary teacher....we have lots of kids and lots of need here! Hang in there...you are in my thoughts and prayers
hugs
tricia

Sandy said...

Hi Elizabeth, so nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by for "coffee" yesterday. I am so sorry to hear about your husbands job. I will most certainly pray for your situation. There is nothing wrong with having a Pollyanna attitude of finding something to be glad about even in the worst of circumstances. Didn't Paul count it ALL joy whether he abased or abounded? Your trust and attitude will see you through this situation.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like the lay-off is a blessing in disguise! You have a wonderful attitude! I hope your husband finds something that he enjoys doing.

Manuela

Grammy said...

I am so sorry for his loss of a job. But I love your positive attitude. You are right. I learned it the hard way. Things happen for a reason and the will be good to come of it.