Six people in a three bedroom house for
a family like ours was getting just a little tight. With the income I had, it
was not an issue or a problem to either buy a bigger house or add on to the
home we already had. After some sincere prayer, we decided to add on to our current
home. The addiction included a larger dining room, living room, two more bedrooms,
laundry room, tornado shelter, and a two-car garage. Yes, that was a lot to add
on to a house. But hey, God blessed us
with the finances and the ability to do so. As a result, we doubled the size of
our home and we doubled our mortgage.
Meanwhile, what I did not know is that
my job was on the line. I was going to lose my job not because I was failing to
perform, or even performing inadequately. My job was on the line because there
were employees who did not care for my management style. I led as a Christian
leader. I never forced my faith or ever made others feel uncomfortable because
of it. I treated staff the way I felt Christ would have treated them. I was
caring, compassionate, and willing to do whatever I could to help. Even if that meant forgiving an employee who
deserved to be fired and giving them a second chance. I was a responsible
steward of the operation and capital budgets as well.
What went wrong at work, I may never
know the full truth. I do know there were employees who were jealous of my
position and wanted someone different. There were cliques and divisions amongst
certain groups. In addition, a few would
even undermine what I was trying to accomplish. As a result, I was falsely
accused of irresponsibility, harassment with my faith, and favoritism. Complaints became surmounting and relentless.
Administrations hand was forced to do something. I was given this ultimatum,
step down from my position, or take probation for 3 months. At the end of three
months if I had not been able to achieve the goals set for my department then I
would be terminated.
I was shocked! The service I had been
managing had become a magnet service in the state. People were lined up for
years trying to get a job with us, and turnover was virtually nonexistent. The
quality and standards had increased significantly and notably, even at the
state level. Managers from all over the state and others were calling me for
advice. What was happening? It almost seemed to me as if there were a spiritual
battle going on. There were two extreme views of my performance. On one side, everything was perfect and could
not be any better. The other side I was
a failure, a cheat, a chauvinist, and I showed favoritism.
I knew in my heart that I was doing
what was right. The obvious evidence
confirmed it from every angle. I decided I was going to take the probation. I
met with our human resources director and she told me this: "Bill I like
you a lot, and I don't see anything wrong with your performance. I am talking
to you as a friend. Do not take the probation, step down." I asked
"why?" She replied; "Because you will lose your job, administration
has set your goals and expectations so high no one can achieve what they are
expecting of you. You will be set up for certain failure if you accept
probation."
My first thoughts were these: "I
just added on to my house and now my mortgage is doubled. If I step down and
become a staff medic, I will lose more than half of my income. Why is this
happening God, why? I have done nothing wrong."
Carri and I prayed and we just simply
asked for peace. God granted that peace even though our so-called "American
Dream" was coming to an abrupt end. Today I am so thankful that God
allowed that door to be closed, literally right in my face. It was hard, but He
opened doors that I have never imagined. He brought us to a new path that makes
the "American Dream" seem like foolishness and nothing more than a
superficial pleasure.
I cannot wait to continue sharing my
story. It will blow you away what God
has done, and what He is continuing to do. As far as the truly hopeless
situation in my life, you have not heard about it yet.
OK, the picture really has nothing to
do with this post. It is my Grandpa, and
he is one of my heroes. I love him so much.
He is always telling me, "I am so proud of you!" "You just might become the next Billy
Graham." Probably not grandpa, but
God is using my life for His Glory!
Psalms 119:35-37 Direct me in the path of your commands, for
there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward
selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life
according to your word.
May my life
be the proof and evidence of Christ's love!
No comments:
Post a Comment