Well, most of you probably know by now that tomorrow is the big day for me and thousands of other folks I work with. Some of you may not know, but our company is yet again having "deep" cuts or reduction in force. We were told a couple months ago that is was not going to be pretty and that we should have a plan B. Unfortunately, I was notified yesterday that my manager had lost his job. I pray for him and his family. I find out tomorrow at 11:00am est.
We called it Bloody Friday two years ago when it happened. Many of my close friends and co-workers were let go then and many will be let go again tomorrow. I, myself included in that mix.
As I've talked to people this week, some close and some not so close, I've seen how people react sooo differently to the circumstances and perceived trials in their lives. Quiet frankly, some are scared to death. Even people that aren't going through this, people that just feel bad for me, are nervous and wonder what's going to happen. It's not just our company but thousands of companies around the nation/world are laying off tens of thousands of employees. What are we going to do? What can we do? How do we respond?
Thank God that we have the POWER to choose our responses to the many circumstances that we face. Whatever we are faced with in this life, death of a loved one, severe illness, hard economic times, war, job loss (wow the others make this one seem insignificant, huh?) we can decide how we are going to respond.
The way I look at it, whatever happens tomorrow will be the right thing for me. Does that make sense? I have no power over the circumstance or the outcome at this time, but I do have the power to respond a certain way. So, I choose to be thankful! I choose to be diligent. I choose to be faithful. I choose to be positive. I choose to move on with perseverance and commitment. I told my wife the other day that when Friday comes and, if I no longer have a job with Pfizer, guess what? We still have our marriage. We still have our three beautiful children. We still have our Faith in God. We still have soooo many incredible friends. So, with that said, I choose to be glad in those things and trust that God will provide a way for us! He never said it would always be easy, or that we would always be financially stable, or that we would always have any of the things we perceive as good, but He did promise to take care of us! Thanks for listening. Sorry to get all sentimental on you but I thought I would share this so you can get to know me a little bit beyond the 45 mins to hour that we have for spin class.
Will be keeping you (and the other people you work with) in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteWow! I had a lump in my throat the whole time that I was reading. Great perspective on the big picture. It's unfortunate that we often forget about God's sovereignty until times like this-but it's comforting to know that while we may have strayed...HE never skipped a beat. Thanks for reminding me about what really matters! kj
ReplyDeleteAw, Charles, I hope you count me as one of your friends. I will be keeping you in my prayers tomorrow. I know you will be alright because you have the right attitude! Now, don't be afraid to call upon us friends if you need us! That is what we are here for!
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith brother. Just remember that for every ending there is a new beginning. You are going to be fine.SR
ReplyDeleteOf course I consider you as one Anita. I appreciate your kindness and sweet spirit and hope to see you again soon. I think you guys have my cell phone number at the office so please call sometimes.
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