Something to think about...

Dads,

we all know how the economy is going nowadays, and probably most of us, if not all, are concerned about the near future, our jobs, and praying hard about it.

Yesterday at church I saw a good buddy of mine, and he was not looking good. So I took him aside and asked him what was going on ( we are accountability partners, and we often go straight to the point, no "how are you ?" between us )

He told me that at his workplace "pink slips" were flying all around him, personnel reduction was the "word of the month", and he was very worried about his job. He works in IT and was studying madly to get a *very* hard IT certification to make his position harder to get rid of. I understood, since I share his same concern, and I am in the 'same boat' so to speak.

That made me think, and I told him the story I want to share with you all, that happened in my workplace last week.

Last Monday, as soon as we got to the office we were told that one of the oldest executive managers in the company, "James" had passed on the night before, in his bed.

James was the General Manager of our most lucrative sales market, he had been the company VP and CFO in different times, and was one of the oldest employees of the company.
The guy was working 12-14 hours a day, taking very little care of himself, and work was his life.

You all see where this is going, right ?

Few days after the funeral, I was in the car with or VP, going to Dallas, for business. In the car we started to talk almost immediately about James and what had happened. After a few casual comments of sorrow about his death, the VP made a comment that gave me the chills ... She said "You know, James "passing away" is going to save the company a lot of money, his salary was quite good, and all in all, we were considering "letting him go" anyway, for we still have to cuts salaries and personnel..." My heart sunk, for I realized how little "James" the man, the individual, had mattered to the company.

Technically, the comment was right. Under the moral and "human" perspective, it was chilling.

Today, a week after the event, "James" is nearly forgotten. Gone, merely a faint memory. His position will not be replaced, the company will save money, and that is the end of a 17 years old career.

Guys, put your time, heart and effort in your family and in God. I still remember the stories my grandfather used to tell me, and he passed away 25 years ago. My children still laugh and cherish the stories I tell them about my mother's grandfather...

It's just money, folks, rust and moths. what really matters is in the hearts of people you live with, share laughs, experience life and faith with. You (we all) are *not* what your job says. We are fathers, husbands, a brother, a friend, a son of a wonderful God.

Your company will erase the memory of you in a few days, if you drop dead tomorrow. Your family will remember you forever, put your sweat and effort where it will bear good fruits.

Sorry for the story, it's probably depressing, but I felt the urgent need to vent...

God Bless you all, brothers.

TexasDad.

What a great reminder. Store up your treasure in heaven. Few things live forever. The Word of God and the souls of people. Invest in eternity by investing in your family.

Thanks TexasDad

Posted By: Bobh62Guys,

First, thank you TexasDad for sharing this story. It is a sober reminder of how we should align our priorities.

Secondly, I need your prayers. A good friend of mine is working way too much, neglecting his family way too much and doesn't see it even though his wife, his kids, his friends and I have pointed it out to him. I think he's bought into the "if I don't do this they'll fire me" mentality. I need your prayers and words of advice since everything I've said seems to be falling on deaf ears. He really thinks he's doing a good job of balancing the two, but his wife and kids don't feel it.

Thanks, men!

Bobh62,
I'll be praying for this situation. I want to caution you to avoid one-on-one communication of any sort with your good friend's wife at all costs. There are likely more problems in this family than what shows on the surface. It is clear by your post that he and his wife don't communicate well and that you have some knowledge that his wife is not happy. This is a very dangerous position to be in. Do all that you can to encourage and bring truth to your good friend, but let the ladies of the church minister to his wife...

Patriot1776,

Thanks for the words of caution. My friend and his wife and my wife and I are very close. We are trying to be very careful to be supportive to both and encourage better communication between the two of them. Communication, or the lack thereof, is most of the problem and we're trying to help them see that. While we know we can't fix their situation, we do, as their friends, want to be available to God for Him to speak through us to them what they need to hear. I can help the wife understand her husband's way of thinking, my wife can help him understand his wife's way of thinking, and vice versa. We care enough about them to want to help, but we know there are limitations to what we can/should do.

Thanks for praying!

Posted By: Bobh62Patriot1776,

Thanks for the words of caution. My friend and his wife and my wife and I are very close. We are trying to be very careful to be supportive to both and encourage better communication between the two of them. Communication, or the lack thereof, is most of the problem and we're trying to help them see that. While we know we can't fix their situation, we do, as their friends, want to be available to God for Him to speak through us to them what they need to hear. I can help the wife understand her husband's way of thinking, my wife can help him understand his wife's way of thinking, and vice versa. We care enough about them to want to help, but we know there are limitations to what we can/should do.

Thanks for praying!

Many very close friends have allowed both families to be devastated by sin. In light of the current circumstances, you should never be alone with your friend's wife and your friend should never be alone with your wife no matter how "beneficial" it may seem.
May the Lord guide and direct you both. I'll continue to pray for guidance and wisdom.