When I attended an initial recruitment day, I knew the competition would be stiff. I've heard that over 2,000 people applied for about forty positions. By the grace of God alone I received one of those forty jobs. Keep in mind that I have no experience in manufacturing, electronics, or assembly. It doesn't "make sense" by the world's standards for JCB to have hired me. It tends to be difficult for former occupational pastors to find jobs.
God has also provided an excellent schedule. I tend to be a morning person, so getting up at 4:30 isn't too difficult. I'm tired, but some of that is simply mental strain from the first week of work. Since I'm getting up early the traffic is basically nonexistent for my morning commute. The early schedule allows for both overtime (50 hours again next week) and evenings at home with my family.
God has given me a job I enjoy (cab assembly) with nice people, including my supervisors. As far as I can discern, none of them are Christians. I'm trying to get to know them at more than a superficial level, gain their trust, and really become friends. I also hope to show them the love of Christ and share the gospel. I'm taking it slowly and, I hope, wisely.
JCB has a physician's assistant on duty everyday. If I need to, I can get prescriptions, etc. through the P.A. instead of having to go outside to a doctor. However, my job does come with a decent benefits plan which is great for our family.
Lastly, I've learned that JCB has scheduled an automatic shutdown this summer for two weeks. The two weeks "just happen" to be the exact same two weeks that Alice and the kids had already scheduled to travel north to see family. God has providentially worked it out for us all to go on vacation together for those two weeks. I get to see my in-laws (I want to) and go to my uncle's cabin with wife and kids.
God obviously did not have to do any of these things. However, in His grace He has showered these blessings upon me and my family. I thank and praise Him for it. Ultimately, He has done it for His own glory, and that is the most important thing.
5 comments:
Eric,
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!
He is a prayer answering God, without doubt, as is His sovereign hand in our affairs!
Thanks John. God is so faithful all the time. These are just simple blessings that I certainly did not deserve, but He blessed me with anyway. What a wonderful Trinity we get to joyfully serve!
Having experienced some of the challenges of being unemployed, I can't help but rejoice and celebrate with you in how good God has been in providing this opportunity for you.
I trust it will continue to be a blessing to you and those with whom you work.
Thanks Ur Man.
I'm so grateful to God for providing for me and my family this way. I loom forward to serving Him through it. God bless!
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