Bad news

Oh hello elder,

I know this is a strange day to get a letter from me, but there’s been some news in the family. Yesterday I found out the my position has been eliminated. Yes, your pops is now a hobo, a bum. Last summer my company laid off 140 people. I’m not sure how many got laid off this time, I know of 5, including me and the guy that reported to me. I just wanted to tell you that we are and will be fine. I got a fair severance package so we have money in the bank. I have other savings if needed. We’re are fine to support you on your mission including a few extras here and there if you need it. 

It was interesting as I was reading about the brother of Jared in Ether that morning. Since I was a little boy he’s always been my favorite example of faith. I also love the relationship he has with the Lord. He was asking for safety for his family and seeking the Lords counsel. The first thing he was asked to do was to repent. If that guy needs to repent man do i. Then the Lord asks him how he would like to illuminate their vessels. I always used to think that the brother of Jared just shoved some rocks in front of the Lord. But he had planned and prepared and crafted these stones for this very purpose. I would assume that the Lord was aware of this. I’m guessing the B of J had already discussed this with Him. Then, when the Lord asks the question, he’s ready, and his relationship and faith demonstrates his confidence in the Lord. Because of that, the Lord reveals himself, and everything. Literally the B o J saw it all. Now, I would assume that with that kind of faith that the jaredites could have just been teleported to the promised land. But we all know that’s not how life works. The miracles were that they had vessels tight like a dish, light for their comfort, and the breath of the Lord blowing across the ocean. That’s how I see trials. It can be losing a job, going through a divorce, fighting a brain tumor, having heart surgery, or even serving a mission. We have to demonstrate faith and do our part. We need miracles and we need to put in our own effort. We need to trust the Lord and do everything we possibly can. And we have to go through it.

That’s what I intend to do. I admit that I moped around a bit yesterday. But I told mom and aunt Patti, then I told your brothers when they got home. Last night they gave me a priesthood blessing and it was comforting and promising. Aunt Patti and her kids will be fasting for us. I already feel the prayers comforting me.

This morning I attended a webinar about optimizing my resume and LinkedIn, I filed for unemployment benefits, I applied for a couple of jobs, I started my LinkedIn updates, and started gathering items to update my portfolio. Artie also called and said that he may have some work for me. Maybe this is the time to start my own business. I don’t know yet how the Lord is going to blow me across the seas, but I’m open for anything.

Now it’s easy to be upbeat when you are at the start of a trial, but during the voyage it can be tough, discouraging, even scary. And satan is sneaky, he needles you will fear and doubts. He make giving up seem easy. He shields your blessings with your fears. In my prayers I’m even more adamant about being protected from those things than getting a job, but I’m praying hard for that too. Admittedly, it will be scarier in January or February than it is now. So as I asked your brothers for a blessing, I will ask you for your prayers, the prayers from a missionary are no joke.

Anyway kid, you are now informed. I hope your snickers didn’t melt before you got them and that this news isn’t too distracting for you. 

Love you, pops

P.S. it was six years ago today that Ben entered the MTC