Three years ago today, I received the call that I was being laid off from my job. The job that had I lasted until August first, I would have been there thirty years. Talk about something that will take the wind out of your sails. Keeping with the nautical theme, it was also like being a boat without an anchor, drifting about on an open stretch of water. If I had been expecting it, then things would have been different but I wasn’t. Granted just a week before the company had a lay off of a good many employees, but those left were all reassured that we were essential and would not lose our job. Our last work day of the week,Thursday, we were told that on Monday we would get those traveling papers they were saying might would be needed to prove we were supposed to be out and about. Thanks to the corona virus and the county declaring a stay at home thing. Friday morning I received the call that I was temporarily laid off. Today, is the anniversary of that call. It was the following Monday when I was told it was permanent.
Three years ago at this point, I wasn’t worried. I was promised I’d be called back, this wasn’t going to last long. Monday when I went for the paperwork showing I was laid off, I was told a different story, but this is about today’s anniversary.
Three years ago I was shrugging off the call, it would be fine. I’d draw unemployment for the duration and then return to work. My plan was to work until I retired and that was still a few years down the road. My plan was to continue setting the alarm for early, before the chickens got up, and following the same get ready for work routine. My plan was to work which ever hours were scheduled and then go home to do what ever awaited me there. My plan, was to try and get my bills paid down if not off and save as much money as possible before I retired. My plans were upended with a single phone call. But, I wasn’t concerned, it was temporary, it would be fine. My plans were still in place.
I think there are times we are given a warning so to soften the real blow when it comes. Even though I still wasn’t mentally prepared, it was slightly more gentle.
Many years ago, I had a nephew who was very ill. Family was called in as the doctors didn’t believe he was going to make it through the weekend. However he rallied and was even able to return home. Not long after returning home, they gave their life to God. He was home a sort time before he again fell ill. This time he did not rally back, this time his short life ended. He was given a chance, a warning, a time to make it right before he was called home. Not everyone is given that chance but he was.
Not long after my now late husband was hired on by the last company he worked for, he fell seriously ill. He ended up in a hospital hours from home. A paramedic that was part of the team that took him to the hospital told me they almost lost him. He spent a week in the hospital there before he was released to return home to see his personal physician. He was given a warning and he tried, really tried to do better. He made it another couple of years before that big heart just gave out.
More recently, when my son moved a couch for me, we heard the floor make a frightening sound. The sound of cracking boards. We were given a warning that something was definitely wrong. The men’s mission group from our church stepped in and did extensive repairs. That flooring is now solid.
Thunder warns us of approaching storms, leaves change color with the changing seasons showing that summer has ended prepare for the coming winter.
Look at many of our fossil fuel vehicles, they have two methods of warning us when fuel is low. The gauge on the dash and the warning light. That makes sure we know that we need to seek fuel for the vehicle or prepare to sit on the side of the road somewhere. A warning of what may come if we do not react.
Many of us receive emails when a bill is coming due, so we can make sure the money is there. For those without internet access, or who choose to retain paper billing, those arrive in the mail to inform us of what is due and when.
Our body gives us warnings if we are at risk. Different illnesses have different symptoms. A cough for respiratory, vomiting for upset stomach, chest pains for heart attack, the list is extensive. Yet the warnings are there. If we pay attention to don’t just brush them off.
We are given warnings of what is coming. Sometimes if we heed those warnings we can change the outcome. Sometimes, it is a time of preparation for what we cannot change.
The Bible is filled with signs and wonders of many things. From the beginning to the last page, they are there to be read. It also tells us that Jesus is returning, it doesn’t tell us when, just that He is. The Bible does however give us signs to watch for and be aware of in preparation of His return. If we take time to hear and prepare.https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-are-signs-and-wonders-of-the-end-times.html
Words from The Dirt Road 