Test of Faith -or- Blessing in Disguise

      The last couple of weeks my heart has just ached for some friends I know who's lives have been turned upside down.  I continually pray for them to receive the peace they need.  As their friend, the only thing I feel that I can do is to remind them who they can turn to for peace.  I have also prayed that if I was to be tested that my faith would be unshakable.  That I would never forget who to turn to.  I don't know if God decided to take that as a challenge, or if He is simply trying to bless my family in a-round-about way, but my test has now come.  Last Friday on Spencer's commute home he received a phone call from his boss and was told that he is being laid off in two weeks.  I'll admit I was frustrated that he was laid off via telephone, but I think we both actually have a sense of peace about the whole thing.  The reason for the layoff is due to budget cuts.  I honestly don't know if their thinking is rational because the stores are going to continue to have major maintenance issues with no maintenance man, but I guess they will figure it out. 

      It is ironic the timing of his layoff though.  Seeing as how I have been working lately we have a reserve built up that we otherwise wouldn't have had.  I recognize that as a blessing!  We aren't sure yet what his plan of action will be.  He has already been in communication with a couple of possibilities, but he is also contemplating the idea of starting his own business.  I'm leaning more towards the first option.  Now is when we have to really rely on prayer and fasting.  I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise and that greener pastures lay ahead.  We shall see...