Behind the Wheel

I know that when I tell you I went to driving school, you’ll think I got a ticket and was ordered by a judge to go or face the consequences. It wasn’t like that at all. I signed up for this – advanced drivers training at Ford’s proving grounds. Test driver training. Certified to drive like a controlled maniac.

Leave it to God to use this day of training to really teach me something about Him..and me.

Jesus: Security Guard

I’d like to share a bit of what God has been teaching me lately through my vocation – my work in the auto industry as an engineer.  As many of you might be aware, times are tough for the Detroit Three…for various economic reasons.  And, to be honest, the dynamic of my work environment has changed dramatically over the past few months.  Low morale, hightened urgency, insecurity.  Just. Not. Enjoyable.

My company has been working to cut 10-15% of their white collar costs.  Cost cutting sounds very neat and tidy, but what it really means is people losing their jobs.  Roughly 1 in 10.  And yes, I’m a little nervous about it!  Looking ahead into uncertainty can elicit fear, anxiety, and uneasiness.  But through this time, God has been faithful to walk with me through my workday.  Everyday.  My ears have been shielded from many negative conversations, and at key moments I’ve been blissfully unaware of much of the ick going on around me.  He has sustained me, reminded me that my security is in Him.  He’s brought to memory examples of his past faithfulness to help me endure the current season in my life.  He knows me.  He knows that I need Him, and He is gracious and willing to help.

I’m in “constant prayer” mode as soon as I walk in the doors, wondering who’s desk I will find newly empty.  Will I be handed a box today, and walked to the door?  Who’s family needs prayer today, as they get the bad news phone call?  Emontionally draining.  But with God as my stability, I also see a group of people needing hope.  This “crisis” close to home has opened my eyes to the crisis easily ignored.  The people of my city who need the same hope that only a Savior can offer.  Eternal hope.

Being more drained than usual has given God the opportunity to fill me up in more ways than I knew how to let him.  What a crazy journey I’m on.  How can I wish it were over, and be excited that it’s happening, all in the same thought?  I am more firmly grounded on my savior, the Rock, the guard of my security.

Looking forward to the weekend of ministry ahead, and the workweek of ministry to return to.  God is good.  Better than I deserve.

Has God used a “crisis” or similar time to teach you something?  What was it?  How did He show His faithfulness?

I Like My Job

I do.  I have good days and long days..frustrating and rewarding days.  But I do like my job.  And today I’m feeling particularly thankful for it, so I felt like sharing a little bit about it.

Today is “Take Your Child to Work Day” here at FoMoCo.  There are little “mini-me’s” running rampant around our offices.  I just love the sight of an eight year old boy matching his father in blue collared shirt and khaki pants.  There are tons of things for the kids to do today – vehicles on display for them to climb all over, liquid nitrogen ice-cream making, and computers galore to “play” on.  There were even kids asking questions during our Town Hall meeting with the CEO, Mullaly.  It was awesome.  I’m very appreciative that FoMoCo stresses work/life balance, and recognizes the value in having a healthy family.  From alternative schedules, paid maternity leave, to events like this…I’m just so thankful. 

And I’m getting the opportunity to do whatever I want (within reason) in this company for two years before I settle down.  Man…they don’t really teach you all that much in engineering school.  You learn how to learn.  And I am learning a whole lot now that I’m working full time.  I’m really thankful that I work on a team of engineers who are willing to walk me through all the processes and things that I have to do to do my job.  I’m learning to speak in acronyms…I feel a part of a team.  I have a cube and a nameplate and Bible verses on my “walls”.  I can read Biblegateway.com when I have a few minutes of down time.  It’s awesome.

I’m thankful, too, that God has put me at this company to meet needs..and not just my (financial, thinking) needs.  I’m talking about the needs of other people.  This work is stressful, especially in our industry during economic and competitive times such as these.  I can be used as a light, a witness to the God who is more important than getting tooling ready for tryout on time.  I can be positive.  I can be compassionate.  I can work hard and lighten someone elses workload.  I am a missionary, I know the Gospel, I have the Truth inside of me, written on my heart.  God can use me at this company. 

Whoa…what a thought.  God can use me here.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by way of eye service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man…  Ephesians 6:5-7, posted on my wall

I like my job.

Un-Identifying with Dilbert

Ever gotten lost in a cube forest?…Yeah, that was me yesterday.  “Where am I?…haven’ t I been here already?”  Yikes. 

I felt like I had jumped into a Dilbert comic…