Direct Intervention

In June of this year, I resigned from my position at Old Grapevine Cigar Shop.  This was in direct disobedience to what I knew was God's Will for this life.  The Holy Spirit kept telling me not to leave, but I still chose to do so.  In the five months since leaving, I had an extremely difficult time finding employment.  What's strange is I have never had this much trouble finding work.  Hmm, I wonder if this was God's way of showing me His Will shall prevail?  Finally, I prayed that if God really wanted me to once again work at the cigar shop, He would need to have the manager contact me.  As soon as I said "Amen", there was a text message from the manager asking if I would fill in during the holiday season.  Wow!  Beginning on the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving, I have been steadily working at the shop in Grapevine.  During this time, two co-workers were fired thus opening a path for me to continue employment beyond the holiday season.  This is further confirmation I am to work here indefinitely, or at least till God releases me from the obligation.  The manager and I have been working on our attitude toward one another, trying to accomodate our needs but not at the expense of the other person.  A daily process that needs lots of prayer for sure.  As much as I appreciate this time of year, I am glad the holidays are over.  Christmas Day was spent at my A.A. group with a Noon meeting and dinner afterward.  The only glitch in the festivities was having an incident with the vehicle.  While driving to the A.A. Club, I hit a curb and blew out the front passenger tire.  Hopefully the rim wasn't damaged, but replacing the tire shouldn't be a big deal.  Of course, the situation could have been a lot worse.  Then I had a big surprise when my mother and brother travelled to Fort Worth in order to help me celebrate the milestone of 50 years old.  Woohoo!  The timing of the visit could have been better coordinated, but we made do with what we had to work with.  There were lots of visiting, shopping, and eating out.  Maybe it was a good thing I had to work during this time as it gave me a much-needed break in the midst of having company.  Now I get to stare down a brand new year.  Geez, time sure does fly by faster and faster the older I get.  What will 2024 bring?  With a proper attitude and focus on God, I can see His work in this life along with the many blessings He brings my way.  The blessings may not be what I think I want, but they are exactly what I need.  Father God knows best, and I usually discover that truth eventually.  Let's move onward and upward in our relationship with Jesus and see what the future holds.  Happy New Year!

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