Renee slammed the car door shut and turned on the car. She could not get away from work fast enough today. What a nightmare! At least the day was over. It was a good thing Shayna had been transferred to another department. If she never spoke to her again, it would be too soon. How could she have betrayed her like this? They were supposed to be friends. Ha. Friends didn’t try to tank each other’s careers.

          She pulled into the driveway and entered the house. The scent of tomatoes and garlic wafted through the air. Ahh, Friday. She loved Fridays. John worked from home on Fridays and with the extra time he saved by not commuting, he made dinner for her. What a blessing, especially on a day like today.

          She entered the kitchen and John greeted her with a kiss and a plate of steaming pasta. She shed her coat, washed her hands, and joined him at the table. After a quick prayer, John studied her.

           “Something happened today. It’s written all over your face. Do you want to talk about it?”

           Renee gazed into John’s eyes. “I love how well you know me. You’re right. It was a hard day.”

            John kept silent, but his steady gaze told her she had his attention.
            “I told Shayna last week I was interviewing at Carter Brothers. I was simply curious about what else was out there. But as I told you Monday after I got home, I decided it wasn’t for me. I’m committed to making things work at Sanderson’s.”

            “Right, so what’s the problem?”

             Stress bubbled back up in Renee. “The problem is, today my boss told me they were considering promoting me to regional manager, but they weren’t convinced I was loyal to the company, and they needed someone who fully believed in their mission. The only reason they have to question my loyalty would be because of that interview. And the only person I told was Shayna.”

             John nodded his head. “I see. And what did Shayna say when you talked to her?”

             Renee rubbed her temples. “I didn’t talk to Shayna about it. I’m too angry at her betrayal.”

             “Honey, you need to talk to her. You’ve been friends for a long time. But first, you need to pray about it.”

             Renee swallowed hard. “You’re right. I know you’re right. But I’m so angry.”

             “God can help you with that.” John’s voice was gentle, not accusing.

             After dinner, Renee took John’s advice. She went upstairs, sat on the chair in the corner of the guest room, and closed the door behind her. “Our Father… she started, but she stopped right there. Only two words into the familiar prayer, God’s conviction filled her heart. He wasn’t only her Father, he was Shayna’s Father, too. John was right. She and Shayna had been friends for years. Shayna wouldn’t hurt her on purpose. A verse sprang to mind. Something about reconciling with your brother before coming to God. She typed into her phone, and soon found the reference.

Matthew 5:23–24

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

            God’s voice was clear. She needed to clear the air with Shayna, and then she’d be able to be in fellowship with God. She dialed Shayna’s number.

            Shayna answered on the first ring. “Hey girlfriend, I haven’t seen you all week. Being in the records division is crazy. I miss talking with you every day. How did that interview go?”

            Renee took a deep breath. “It went well, but I decided it wasn’t for me.”

            Shayna’s smile came through in her voice. “Great! That means you’ll be sticking around. We really need to make it a point of getting lunch together sometimes now that we’re not on the same floor anymore.”

            Renee took a deep breath and then launched into what was really on her mind. “Shayna, who did you tell about my interview?”

            “What do you mean? No one. You told me to keep it quiet, so I did.”

            “Are you sure you didn’t let it slip to anyone?”

            “Of course not, Renee. Don’t you trust me? I would never share something like that without your permission. I didn’t even tell Ed, and he doesn’t even work with us. Why do you think I said something? What happened?”

            Renee’s anger left her like the air out of a balloon. Her friend hadn’t betrayed her. “I’m sorry, Shayna, for jumping to conclusions. Chris told me he was considering me for the regional manager position, but he questioned my loyalty. I assumed you’d let it slip I went on an interview.”

            “Oh, honey, that’s awful. I don’t know why he said that, but I assure you, it didn’t come from me. I suggest you talk to him to see what his concerns are.”

            On Monday morning, Renee knocked on Chris’ office door, and he waved her inside.

            “What’s on your mind?”

            Renee took a seat in front of Chris’ desk, and laid it all out there. “On Friday, you told me you were concerned about my loyalty to Sanderson’s. I was curious why you would doubt that. I’ve been an exemplary employee for the last six years.”

            Chris steepled his fingers. “Yes, that’s true, but my brother-in-law works at Carter Brothers, and he mentioned you interviewed with them on Monday.”

            So it wasn’t Shayna after all. Renee sent up a silent prayer of thanks for her husband’s wise council, which had likely saved their friendship. “Yes, that’s true. A recruiter reached out to me, and I was curious about the job, so I did a phone interview on Monday. But I decided it wasn’t for me, and I told them so on Thursday when they reached out to schedule an on-site interview. I’m committed to Sanderson’s. I’m sorry if accepting the interview was a mistake. I did learn a few things about how they manage their processes that I’d like to try here.”

            Chris’s eyes didn’t leave Renee’s. “We saw my brother-in-law yesterday, and he told me the same thing—that you’d turned down the second interview because you were happy here. Thank you for your honesty. That’s the kind of quality we need in our regional managers. Consider yourself back in the running.”

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God, when things don’t go according to plan, please help us stop and pray before anything else. Relationships with others are tricky, but are also quite rewarding. Please fill our lives with people who will give us wise council to seek first after you. Help us listen to others, for often their side of the story is different than what we believe. Help us be open-minded and follow what You ask us to do, which is to love You first and foremost, and then to love others. Thank you for the guidance of Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.