Last Friday, our son, whom I've called Outside-the-Box on my blog (because he tends to see beyond routine and opts for creative routes) asked his girlfriend of 2 years + to be his wife. This news unleashed much screaming of delight across the telephone wires, and later triggered big bear hugs, a celebratory dinner and a subscription to Real Simple- Weddings magazine (a favorite of the bride-to-be). Since this breaking news, every day and night has been spent thinking and dreaming of all things wedding- especially since the kids have decided to whirlwind it and be married in less than five months! So much to do....but clearly exciting and wonderful news.
This morning I woke one hour before my annual-ish tooth cleaning appointment. As usual, I thought about calling in to cancel due to my deep disdain for dental drills. But feeling a little more mature than usual, I got dressed, spent a half an hour brushing the daylights out of my teeth and flossed for the first time since my last visit -about 18 months ago. Outside the snow was sparkling. Inside the house was quiet. It was just a regular, normal day in the neighborhood. Until the phone call came from I.T. telling me to take a look at the news.
"Metal office furniture industry leader, Steelcase Inc. headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan will close yet another three plants over the course of the next several months, one of which is right here in the hometown. From that closing alone, 400 longtime employees will lose their jobs."
This is a sad announcement for West Michigan and a personal hard hitter for us. I.T. is not included in this particular group of 400, but works closely with these folks. It is easy to see how this could affect his job. (though we will take my mother's longstanding advice and choose not to borrow trouble from tomorrow) Truly heartbreaking news.
So what is the real bottom line? The real bottom line for us is "Great is the Lord and Most Worthy of praise" 1Ch. 16:25. Our trust is in the Lord, our God, Maker of heaven and earth. Because of this, we shall not be moved. My prayers today are with the families of the 400. May they find their peace and rest in the Lord, lean not unto their own understanding and be comforted and cared for by the body of believers, of which- I am one. My prayer for myself is: Lord, show me your ways and lead me to give kindly unto the least of these.
May we each one hold up the other in prayer, with thanksgiving. And serve the Lord with gladness.
7 comments:
Congratulations on the engagement of your son. I will join you in prayer for those people.
Heavenly Father,
As one chapter ends, let new pages begin. Let your name be glorified as this situation resolves and those people find new means of employment and income. Grant them the wisdom and strength to go beyond their comfort zone, into newer, more rewarding and prosperous situations.
In JESUS name,
Amen.
Exciting news!
But - sad about Steelecase.
awesome wedding news...
may something miraculous happen for those 400 families...such hard news at the beginning of the year, for sure.
In regards to signing up for "21", you just did by leaving me a comment.
You can access the pdf of the 21 day plan on my blog or on FB in the "NOTES" section. Check back Sunday for the link to download.
You choose your own fitness activity...running, walking, biking, gym work-out, dvd, etc.
But the goal is 30 mins/day for 21 days.
We will, hopefully, have everyone who is committing to the plan leave comments on FB or my running blog.
'Glad you're coming along!
May God use this circumstance to draw each of these people closer to Himself!
A wedding in the works! Now that is happy news!! Congrats :0)
I'm sorry for the job losses in your area. That is sad to see. I feel for them.
Marnie xo
You mean I'm not the only one who HATES the dentist? Oh my...I'm never feeling very mature when I have to go to one.
Sorrowful news about the jobs. So many homes it represents.
And Congrats of your good news. My daughter and I planned her wedding in 5 months. Some of the days of my life.
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