The Dreaded Day

It’s almost like I knew this day was coming. Strangely, I was feeling depressed yesterday. No reason in particular, just down in the dumps. But, given my stage of life, that mysterious and not-so-lovely phase of menopause, I didn’t think much of the mood swing. Most of the time, I feel great. When I don’t, it’s not my fault, it’s menopause. (I wonder how long I can milk this excuse.)

I went to bed early last night and committed myself to rise early and go to the gym for some much-needed endorphins and pound shedding. I felt great after my workout! Upon my return home, as I was contemplating either an extremely early start at work or cleaning my house, my dilemma was interrupted by a text message. Oops! I’d forgotten that I was supposed to meet my girlfriend at Starbucks for a hot chocolate. She was moving our meeting place much closer to my house, so off to Dominican Joe’s I went.

I had a great cup of hot chocolate while listening to my dear friend bring me up to date on the latest chapter of her interesting personal saga. She even mentioned how she was jealous that I had such a great job – working out of my home as a business analyst, performing a job I truly enjoy with people I really like at a great company. “Yes,” I thought, “I feel so blessed.”

During my one-on-one meeting with my manager this morning (the 7th manager I’ve worked under, by the way, since my contracting stint began two years ago), I felt prompted to ask about my future with the company. I knew my contract was up in June, and although previous managers had tried to bring me on board as an employee, they’d met with a No-Remote-Employee Policy that could not seem to be negotiated. I honestly felt that if I simply did my best at my job, and developed strong relationships with the project stakeholders, I would prove my value to the company and an exception would be made. I know I’m good at what I do.

Well, that strategy didn’t pan out. My manager disclosed in answer to my question that in June the company would not be renewing my contract due to budgetary constraints. Glad I asked. The only other time this happened to me was when I got laid off by my present company’s main competitor. I was doing a great job then, too! Maybe I’m in the wrong industry.

I’m indulging in a half-day pity party, but beyond that, it’s back to my cheery self. After all, with a life as blessed as mine, I have no reason to mope.

I noticed a voice message on my cell phone after my meeting with my manager. It was a recruiter. She was just checking to see if I was still happy with my present position, or if I might be in the market for a new gig.

See, even with just a mustard seed of faith, all kinds of doors can open. And, my faith is so much greater than a mustard seed.

I’m human (and menopausal, don’t forget), so I’m going to blow up the balloons for my party as I sit on the pity pot.  I won’t be here long, though, so stay tuned for “the good stuff”.

“Employment, sir, and hardships prevent melancholy”—Samuel Johnson

“The blessing of an active mind, when it is in a good condition, is, that it not only employ itself, but is almost sure to be the means of giving wholesome employment to others.” –Unknown

“…for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” –Matthew 17:20

Time to Move a Mountain, Y’all!

And Justice For All

A picture of a dead man…why would I want to see a picture of a dead man?!

When I heard the news that Osama Bin Laden was dead, I felt relief not joy, for there is no joy in killing – no matter who it is.

Glenn Beck, on his website yesterday, discussed the release of the Bin Laden photo by President Obama. He makes some very good points. Would we have wanted to have a photo released of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination?
We have become a nation of voyeurs. I’m constantly amazed by the drivers on the freeway, who slow down near a car accident in hopes of viewing the carnage of a wreck. I’m dumbfounded by shows like Jerry Springer and Dr. Phil that promote the stupidity and infidelities of others in the name of the almighty TV ratings. And, don’t even get me started on reality TV.

My prayer to Heavenly Father the night I heard Bin Laden was dead was one of gratitude for calling this evil man Home. Here was a child of God, as we all are, who used his God-given agency and his talents and gifts for evildoings, choosing darkness over light. I prayed for the family members of his victims, all over the world, who undoubtedly still grieve because of the actions of that man.

There are consequences for all actions. The blood of Bin Laden’s victims still cries for justice. It is not enough that this man no longer walks the earth. He left, in his wake, the grief and pain of all those who lost their loved ones in the attacks on 9-11. He left children fatherless and motherless. He left behind broken hearts. He left behind destruction and fear. He left behind other weak-minded individuals, poisoned and persuaded by his evil beliefs.

I take comfort in knowing that justice will unavoidably be served. The Lord Jesus Christ will not call Osama Bin Laden one of His sheep. And, on Judgment Day, Bin Laden will have to stand before God to account for his sins, and his evil actions will stain his soul for all to see. Justice will be served, and he will have to pay the price for all he did while on the earth.

I don’t need to see a picture of Bin Laden dead. It is enough for me to know that his death is just the beginning of the sentence he will serve.

For those of us still here on the earth, let us comfort one another, be good citizens of the United States of America, beware of evildoers and stand up for liberty and justice for all!

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmond Burke.

"An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him." –Proverbs 17:11

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” –Pledge of Allegiance

Choose The Right, Y’all!