“A New Journey After Job Loss”
© Chris Schneider
My job of two years ended not long ago. I can still recall closing the office door for the last time, reluctantly saying goodbye to my paperless desk and gathering up a few remaining personal belongings that had helped make my work world feel more like home.
The job had suited me as I grew professionally, immersing myself in a variety of creative and administrative assignments, serving the people of a small church congregation. Now it was time to say goodbye. There was nothing left to do but leave quietly, gracefully.
But I dreaded the end. The job had provided its own rewards, despite the disappointment of hours cut and no raise ever coming my way. Money was just plain tight for the church, and had been for quite some time. In so many ways, this job had become a mirror image of what was playing out all across our nation. And with the latest round of budget cuts, my job lay there in a heap, whittled down to bare bones... it was simply time to go.
Alone, as I made my way to the brown double doors of the fellowship hall, I stood there for a long moment taking in the large room one last time. Yes, I was definitely feeling the pain of closing a cherished chapter of my professional life, and with it, the prospect of facing a tough and uncertain job market. I wondered what in the world God might have in store for me. Then suddenly my eyes came face to face with a large portrait of Jesus on the far end of the hall. It was as though Jesus had carefully chosen this exact moment to look straight into my eyes, not letting me go. I took hold of this unexpected precious comfort right then and there, grateful for the inexplicable timing. Then in was time to walk out that door.
Since that day, the memory of the portrait of Jesus has stayed in my thoughts. I know in my heart He is doing a new thing. His Word tells me so. And as this “new thing” unfolds, I find that I am pouring myself out to Him in a fresh and deeper way. “Please, Lord,” I catch myself saying, “Lead me carefully. Help me not look back in anger. Make me more humble, and help me to trust you more.” Finally, I ask him to increase my faith, and in his perfect timing, open a new door of opportunity that I’ll know for certain is his doing.
Yes, it has become a time of uncommon communion with the Lord. I love that He is always wide awake to listen to me. After all, He never sleeps or naps. Sometimes, in moments of pure whimsy, I picture myself mailing God a blanket, or at least a pillow, because I keep Him up so late with my prayers. Then I quietly remind myself that He has no need of my reinforcements. His attentiveness to me and anyone (at any time) is boundless.
And so my journey continues down a road I do not travel alone. Other men and women in similar places are starting to come alongside me. Meeting fellow sojourners becomes a highpoint of every day.
Job loss and job search bring people together in special ways. Like me, most of the people I meet have experienced being knocked down a time or two, maybe even more. Yet we all seem to get up, dust ourselves off, and press on. We are our own best cheer leaders.
And then there is God, whose grace and hope continue to fill the lives of all who will trust Him with their future.
Lead the journey, Lord. We are all right behind you. Amen.
• See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9
• “He who watches over you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3
• “And the train of His robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1
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