Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Encouragement (02/23/12)
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TITLE: A Matter of God's Timing | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kim Franklin
03/01/12 -
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The day started with my normal routine. I packed my personal belongings in my desk drawer, proceeded to the kitchen to fix my first round of coffee and then buckled down for my eight-hour day. Intent on the work at hand, Rhonda startled me when she approached from behind. “Joan, I would like to see you in my office, please” she said curtly.
Perplexed, I locked my computer and followed her to the large corner office. Her office was devoid of any warmth and had a sterile feel to it. Rhonda’s lips were pursed and her back was straight as she pointed me to the chair opposite her majestic desk.
Growing more nervous as the minutes passed, I found myself chattering about nothing. Not acknowledging that I was even speaking, she methodically opened the manila folder on her desk. I could clearly see my name on the folder and my mind was racing trying to determine the cause of this unsuspected meeting.
My thoughts were interrupted by her deep, clipped tone. “Joan, I am sorry but we have to let you go. The business is not doing well and we are downsizing. There is a severance package and Mona will give you the details before you leave today. We have already arranged for your work to be redistributed so you will be dismissed to human resources directly after our meeting.”
She had to repeat the last sentence as I sat there stupefied with my mouth wide open. I stood, taking the papers that she offered and walked like a zombie to the desk of Mona, our HR Director. She reluctantly made eye contact and apologized profusely. She reviewed the papers with me and I didn’t retain a word that she said. My mind had not moved beyond my meeting with Joan.
Gathering my things from my desk quickly, I headed for the front door with tears streaming down my face. How could they do this to me? I had given the company my hard work and loyalty for thirteen years and this was how I was repaid?
As the door clipped my heel on the way out, I dropped my cell phone. Picking it up, I noticed that I had a missed call and a text. Navigating my way to the elevator, I debated on whether to call my husband or read the text. Choosing to read the text first, I awkwardly perused through the phone menu while balancing the contents of my desk in the other hand. I stopped in my tracks as I read the group text from my church.
“Urgent need for adult sitter. The mother of Ben Mills will be released from the hospital tomorrow.
She will be recovering from a broken hip and will need care during the day (8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). Nursing experience is not required. The family has made a special request for a strong Christian woman. Ms. Mills
is not saved. If you are interested, please call the church office immediately.”
Smiling with the knowledge that God works for the good of those that love Him, I sat down in the lobby and dialed the number to the church secretary. “Sandra, this is Joan Gant. I just read the text and was wondering if anyone had already called about assisting Ms. Mills. I believe that God has something better in store for me than my previous job…”
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Great work!