(Note: this is a continuation of last week’s post Trusting Him)

Bill grinned at the man approaching in the church foyer. “John! How are you?”

John stopped in his tracks and squinted. “Bill? Is that you? You look great!”

Bill patted his gut. “Lost 25 pounds since I saw you last. Where’ve you been?”

John shook his hand. “My job transferred to Seattle temporarily. I’ve been flying back regularly, but I haven’t been to church here in a while. Usually, I fly back early on Sundays since there aren’t too many flight options. Fortunately, the temporary assignment is over, so I’m back for good.” He patted Bill on the shoulder. I can’t believe how good you look. It’s like you got younger over the past year instead of older.”

“It’s been an interesting year. Do you have time to chat?”

“Sure. Mindy is in the nursery and will stay there talking with the other volunteers until I go get her, anyway. Let’s head over to the fellowship hall and grab a cup of coffee.”

“Perfect.”

They entered the large, open room, and Bill poured two cups. John’s lips pressed into a tight line. “I’m so sorry I’ve been out of touch. It’s been hectic opening the other office in Seattle. I was working ridiculous hours, and then when I came home, I wanted to spend all my time with Cindy and the kids.”

Bill shook his head. “It’s not a problem.”

“But when I left, you were going through a tough time. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. How did the job situation work out?”

Bill grinned. “Come, sit, and I’ll tell you all about it.” They pulled chairs from one of the large round tables dotting the room and settled into them. “Shortly after that weekend, my father passed away.”

John’s brow creased. “I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, it was hard to say goodbye. But I thought about what you said. Maybe God was giving me a gift of time. I put the job search on hold and spent the next few months with my mother, helping her make all the arrangements, and going through all his things. I helped her sort through all their financial records and sell their house. It was such a blessing to have that time with her, because her health has gone downhill since.”

John shook his head. “Go on.”

“It turns out my father had a hefty life insurance policy. We used the money to put an in-law suite onto our place. She moved in as soon as it was built, and we sold her house fairly quickly. My mom insisted we take a chunk of the life insurance money, since, in her words, ‘what on earth would I do with that money at my age?’” Bill chuckled. “I never would’ve thought to have Mom move in, but it’s been wonderful. She makes dinner for us a couple of nights a week, which Sarah really appreciates. With the kids out of the house, it gets a little quiet sometimes. But Mom has her own space as well, and she often allows us alone time. I feel so much better knowing she’s not by herself in that big old house.”

“Wow,” John said. “It’s great you could be there for her.”

“It is. I did like you suggested. I started reading my Bible every morning, got back into running, and joined a men’s Bible study. Through all of that, I felt God’s hand on my life. I still checked for jobs, but it no longer ruled my life. I gave the situation up to God. And because of the life insurance, God covered our expenses.”

“What a fabulous testimony.”

“There’s more.”

John raised his eyebrows.

About six months ago, Jimmy’s wife had a baby. We had just gotten Mom settled into our house, and I was getting pretty anxious about getting back to work. But when the baby had some health problems, Jimmy and Kara had to spend a lot of time at the hospital. Jimmy owns his own landscaping business. I took over his jobs so he could be with Kara and the baby. It really helped them out, even though I’m getting too old to do that kind of work.”

“I’m sure.” John chuckled. “Boy, I don’t think I could handle full-time landscaping work.”

“No, it was rough. I fell into bed exhausted every night, but it felt great to help them out.” Bill pulled out his phone. “Here’s little Emma. Isn’t she a cutie? She’s fit as a fiddle now.”

John took the phone and peered at the picture. “She is cute. Congratulations.”

Bill beamed like the proud grandpa he was. “Thanks. It turns out God had other plans for me over the course of the last year. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that if I hadn’t lost my job.” He leaned back in his chair. “In all that time, I still hadn’t found a job in my field. But one guy in the Bible study approached me about an opportunity in his business and I’ve been working there for the last four months. I love it. It’s not stressful and I am genuinely helping people. It’s only about thirty hours a week and doesn’t pay what my last job does, but with the kids out of college, we don’t have the expenses we used to. Sarah’s job has health insurance, so that’s taken care of. With the extra time, I’ve continued to attend Bible study, stay in shape, and help Jimmy out on a job about once a week. And Mom insists on paying rent, which has made up some of the income difference.”

John set down his coffee. “I’m so happy for you. It sounds like you’ve been able to focus on the stars, after all.”

Jeremiah 29: 11 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God, You never promise everything will work out in our lives the way we expect. But You do promise you have plans for us. When things don’t turn out the way we hope, please help us trust in You, for You always know best. Help us seek You in both the good times and the challenging times. When we focus on You and honestly seek Your will, we will never regret what follows. In Jesus’ name, Amen.