Song of Silence

 It's been a long while since I blogged. Some asked me why on Twitter. One time a poem came as reply, which I share with my readers.

 

 

Lately, and the reason I've been offline
I've been working through trials at this time
Chronic pain, hard to move from bed
But I still thank God for my daily bread

I can telecommute in my role
But being away does have a toll
After seven years of increased cost
And no raise; my savings are lost

Combined, for a time
Joy was smothered too
That is why I didn't tweet
Or talk to any of you
But I kept praying
God does not leave us alone
Fire is rekindled
Song still inside has a home

There is still pain
Financial trouble too
But Spirit sings inside
So I know what to do

I sing when I am happy
Pray when I am sad
Reach out to others
Who never have had

 

For in my trials
One thing I did learn
Others suffer too
For God they do yearn
But in this world
God seems hard to find
That's why we must be
Compassionate and Kind

For when another struggles
To find God in the stormy woe
God reaches through us
To let His Light and Love show

 Like precious metals
That go through the fire
When we keep eyes on God
Our trials lift us higher

You are right
God shares our tears
And gives Joy
In place of our fears

Little steps we make
In this world wide
God smiles at our efforts
And takes much bigger stride
:D

~ ESA

Good News - Better News (True Story)

I work for a company that connects paper mills and manufacturers to sell rolls of paper - LARGE rolls. We ensure that the paper gets to the customer on time in good condition. This doesn't always go as planned.

Recently, we had numerous issues on one particular order. First, the mill shipped rolls with a much smaller outside diameter than requested. Then they shipped only 35,000 pounds (15,900 kg) instead of the requested 44,000 pounds (20,000 kg). We only were alerted to this when the shipping container was en route from Europe to the eastern US seaboard. Ooops!

After we altered the customer to the issues, they notified us that they needed the paper sooner than anticipated. One cannot just ask the cargo ship to turn around so we can use air freight.

Our joy that the ship arrived at port three days early ended abruptly when we learned that US Customs had randomly chosen our container for a closer inspection. One cannot hurry a customs inspector without making the process even longer. So we had to wait again and update an irate customer daily, who at this point purchased paper from our competitor to meet their production schedule.

Once Customs released the paper, we anticipated that the Nashville, Tennessee customer would have the paper in a few days. However, instead of sending it by truck, the mill's transportation department shipped it intermodal, which means by railroad THEN by truck. The standard ETA for US rail transit is "it gets there when it gets there."

To add to the dilemma, the train was delayed twice, once for power outage somewhere en route and a two-day delay in Georgia. At this point, our customer support staff were practically drawing straws each morning to see who would tell the customer the bad news for the day.

The customer had purchased a SECOND supply from our competitor by the time the container arrived at the Huntsville, Alabama intermodal facility. We had a truck waiting there; we were taking no chances now! The rail arrived at noon on Friday (over 12 hours after the ETA provided Thursday morning). At which point, our customer informs us that they do not take any deliveries after 2:00 pm, and they are a two and a half hours drive from the intermodal facility. So the paper delivery will FINALLY be Monday morning.

Monday morning, we get an email from the customer: they cannot unload the container. The inside clearance of the cargo container is 7-1/2 feet (2.3 meters); the mast on their clamp truck reached 8-1/2 feet (2.6 meters). And because our paper rolls were not on pallets and weighed 1,450 pounds (657 kg) each, there was no other way to move these rolls.

The customer insisted that they needed this paper for Wednesday morning's production run--no more excuses. We needed to find a solution-FAST!

We contacted dozens of warehouses in the Nashville area to see if we can get one to cross-dock (unload and reload into a different truck), but it seems that clamp trucks are a rarity. We found one -- with a five week backlog and no chance of getting to our rolls.

Then we came up with the brilliant idea to contact manufacturing companies that use these large rolls and have the appropriate-sized clamp truck. One of our larger customers in Louisville, Kentucky came to the rescue. Not only did they have the smaller sized clamp truck, they would be happy to cross-dock it for us (even though the paper was going to their competitor) for FREE! In heartfelt gratitude, we offered to treat the Shipping/Receiving Department to pizza.

At 2:00 pm we sent the intermodal truck ahead to Louisville to be unloaded and spent the remainder of Monday trying to find a truck to ship the paper from Louisville back to Nashville. Getting a truck on short order in the US is itself a challenge. By 4:30pm, we still didn't have a solution.

That was when we were told the truck was still parked in Nashville. Apparently, the customer was working on their own solution. When the driver started to pull away, the Receiving Manager ran out and asked the truck to wait. They had rented a smaller clamp truck that would arrive that evening.

By Tuesday morning, we had a redelivery truck on standby and the Louisville customer ready and waiting to cross-dock, but the Nashville customer was able to unload the paper with the rental. So I called our Louisville customer, "I have good news and I have better news. The good news is that they unloaded the rolls so you do not need to cross-dock for us. The better news, is because of your generous offer, we're sending you the pizza anyway."

When they argued that the pizza was not necessary as they didn't do anything, I understood why it was necessary as the words spilled out of my mouth: "It's not whether you did the work or not, it's because you offered to do it for us, even when it helped a competitor, for free. And it's that kind of generosity that we sincerely appreciate."

I hope and pray we see more cases of this generosity in the world -- from individuals and from businesses. The bottom line isn't the only mark of a great company.

Elementary, Mr. Watson

Today my husband and I attended our first Men on the Tor event. It's a group that enjoys the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, one of my husband's favorite authors.

Today's event was at a State Park called "Devil's Hopyard" but the devil seemed to be quite far. The sky was so clear that near the end of the event the coordinator pointed to the only wispy cloud that marred the blue dome overhead - the only cloud seen the whole time.

While we sat with the group at the picnic, I was prompted to look around and really take it all in. Sherlock Holmes was known for his keen observation, after all.

There were many people in the park: hiking, biking, playing catch, eating, running, playing, laughing... even romancing.

There was life all around, from giggling toddlers to smiling seniors. I even saw a middle-aged woman drawing with chalk on the pavement.

When Christ lived here, He was aware of all around Him; children brought Him delight.

I had a smile moment too, when one barged into the toilet with a broken lock. Without embarrassment, she simply closed the door and called to her mom that there was some lady in there. The sweetness of innocence. :D

On Monday I need to be in the office at 6:30 am to move all the furniture back and rewire the office after the painters came through this weekend. Then I have a long work day after that. 

All too quickly, this world with its responsibilities, schedules, requirements and demands intrudes into our Peace.

How do we deal with it all?

Elementary, my dear. Take the time to refresh ourselves. Even if we cannot visit distant parks between meetings, we can still take a five-minute break in prayer ~ anywhere.

God can deliver some of that refreshment to the place where we are ~ anytime.

And God doesn't expect tips.

~ ESA

Sharing Some Fun

A few weeks ago, in a mischievous moment, I scribbled the following poem on a post-in note and left it in the bathroom that several small companies share on my floor.

There was once a time

When one could rhyme

Upon a bathroom wall.

But with a small note

And lighthearted joke

None take a fall.

:D

Before the end of the day, there were several more notes posted on the bathroom wall. Some were just silly doodles, others were rhymes or comments on another's post. There was even a conversation between anonymous writers.

In a few days, everyone on the floor was laughing about what was being posted beside the toilet. Some even added a few blank ones in various colors to encourage more people to write something. 

One visitor commented, "This is great; I'm entertained when I go in there."

Here's a challenge for any reader that is up to it. Take a post it note, add a small quote, and leave it somewhere for a joke. You may just help someone smile.

~ ESA

Stubborn Worker (Story)

This story is short, simple and profound. You can tell it was given me rather than one of my own, which tend to be quite detailed and verbose. :P

~ ESA

There was once two workers who worked side-by-side together, doing the same work. One worked steadily at the pace that was asked, but the other worked above and beyond the call. Eventually, this worker tired out and became quite ill, no longer able to do the work.

The work that person was asked to do fell to the other worker, who now had the responsibility of accomplishing both jobs at the same time. In time, the second worker also fell quite ill and could no longer work either.

The work was thus left unfinished...

Let those with ears, hear.

Competition and Compassion

Too often in the corporate world, it's "dog eats dog." I want to share with you something that happened today between direct competitors that warms the heart.

Among our clients, there are two companies, one large - one medium, that are the exclusive producers of a particular product. The raw materials for this product are the same. They have been in direct competition for decades.

Yesterday, one realized that they had run out of one of these raw materials. The next delivery is slated to arrive via rail "sometime" next week. But unfortunately, there is no guarantee on delivery dates with rail, it could be as long as another two weeks. They will be completely out of that product by Monday. This means the equipment must stop - everything on the manufacturing floor will come to a complete standstill. Dollars will tick away with every minute those machines must wait for that raw material. Anyone who has experience with manufacturing knows this.

Their direct competitor - their only competitor - had that very raw material available at their facility. They offered a truckload - at cost - to help. They could have jacked up the price, or not offered it at all. They could have used it as a way to win sales from their competitor who would thus miss their deadlines.

But they didn't. They acted with compassion.

This isn't the first time this has happened, either. Over the decades there have been times when one or the other found themselves in need of help. There have been plant fires, floods and times when they find themselves short of material due to late shipments or other issues that crop up in any business. Each and every time, they have acted with compassion to the competition.

Too often we hear about the ugly side of American corporations. While I cannot share who these companies are, due to confidentiality, I will salute all they have done over the years.

~ ESA

Planting the Seed (Story)

Written about three years ago, it's time to re-post this. Enjoy! ~ ESA

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The early morning sun rose gloriously as two walkers strolled down a quiet New England Main Street.
As they passed a new eatery, the woman grinned mischievously when she read the name: Mustard Seed Cafe. She sipped her coffee and commented, "That sign reminds me of something. Maybe something you said once, about a seed...."

The man laughed, white teeth showing through his beard. "And what did you take away from that one?"

She glanced about, looking for something to inspire a witty reply. "Wasn't there a parable involved...?"

A little wren dove to the sidewalk before them, picked at the concrete block a moment, then fluttered away. "No," she admitted with a wry grin, "The parable in mind involved seed being tossed in different places, each failing save the seed that hit fertile grown and produced hundredfold or something like that."

He chuckled nodding, "...something like that. So what about the mustard seed?"

She grinned as she took another sip from the travel mug. "Little seed becomes big plant. Right?"

His deep brown eyes took on a blend of challenge and mischief, "Maybe you can write a story about it?"

She smirked, "Yeah, right."

He gestured expansively with his arm, "You are a writer; you were given that gift. Write a story about it. Maybe then you'd understand it better."

She took a good swallow of her coffee, while she wrapped her mind around the challenge, knowing there was something there that maybe DID make a good story. As the story shifted to her mental back burner, the conversation changed, covering a broad range of topics.

Before she knew it, they arrived at the topic she needed to broach. Part of her shyly wanted to hold back and digress, but another part knew this is why she asked her companion to walk with her this morning. She really needed his advice, his guidance. She rolled the still-warm metal travel mug between her palms as she searched for the words.

"I... I really don't know what I should be doing with my life. All these little projects get started, and then... they just seem to peeter off into nothing. I feel like I start so many things and just can't seem to finish them. What is it that I should do?"

He draped his arm lovingly across her shoulders and smiled gently. "Plant the seeds."

"And then?"

"Nurture them a little until they sprout."

Her hands paused as she glanced quizzically at him. "And then?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" 

He grinned, seeing she wasn't getting it, but - with infinite patience - gave her the time to think. "Nothing."

She knew that look on his face, she'd seen it before. She walked wordlessly at his side for a spell, fingers wrapped around the warmth of the mug and her shoulders snug in his embrace.

"But if I do nothing, what will happen to all I started? It would just unravel, wouldn't it?"

"Not necessarily." 

Again she shot him an inquiring look, raising one eyebrow in his direction. 

He laughed at her expression, but didn't say a word. 

"Well?" 

He paused and turned to face her, with a mischievous smile of his own.

She stopped and faced him with a look that clearly read, "Tell me or stop teasing me." 

He playfully poked the bridge of her nose and quietly replied, "That's my job."  

The challenge in her eyes faded as comprehension dawned in her mind. Smiling, they resumed their walk. She nodded and tossed back the last of the coffee. "You're right. I really should trust you more often." 

Companionably the two continued their stroll down Main Street. Two pairs of sandals tapped quietly along the sidewalk: one pair worn below jeans and a T-shirt, and the other beneath a desert robe from a bygone age.

Brown-nosing in School

While at my little brother's place this morning, I saw one of his child's 4th-grade essays. It shows that kids learn early that it pays to brown-nose. Teacher's comments are in red below; typed exactly as the child typed it:

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NO ROBOT TEACHERS - by Danny _____

We cant [can't] have Robot teachers. What if there's a mountfunktion [malfunction] and the robot gos [goes] crazy! Haveing [Having] real people teach you that [crossed out "that"] provids more jobs for people. [Add that elaborating sentence --> Which we all know is important!] If you are in the hospital a real teacher would call you a robot wouldnt [wouldn't] know your gon [gone]. Also you need $ to pay for parts for the robot you dont have to buld a teacher. This is why we cant have robot teachers. Imagin beaing traped in a class with a robot talking like this, ETFBUGFYAFNGDXFFYGDYUGFWAFRGTFSF, to you. Robot teachers wouln't give you party's. I SAY ROBOT TEACHERS ARE A PUNESHMENT! I would have a liveing thing for a teacher rather than a cold hunk of metal! [great language] Electronical teachers cost mony for the electric bill. This is why we cant have robot teachers. [You have great craft (3) Danny! Organization is also important though. Keep related arguments together and make new paragraphs for each different one.]

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I confess I cringed as I typed that because all the spelling mistakes were glaringly obvious and shockingly uncorrected. Then I realized when the teacher stopped correcting the errors: where it became clear the essay promoted human vs. electronic teachers.

Let's face it; the child was stroking the teacher's ego, and the teacher was lapping it up. Only one error was corrected beyond that point, otherwise the teacher was all praises. What does this tell the child? Brown-nosing is REWARDED! You can get away with shoddy work if you are good at brown-nosing your superior!

While I am a strong supporter of keeping jobs for people, and use real cashiers at supermarkets instead of the electronic ones, I find it ironic that an electronic teacher would NOT have an ego to stroke and wouldn't award that paper such a high grade but correct all errors instead.

I also believe we should have human teachers, but I wish they would show some moral backbone and teach the child the correct spelling/grammar instead of rewarding brown-nosing. I'm one of those "hard-ass" HR people that would like to see good spelling in cover letters, resumes and business correspondence instead of seeing employees and candidates try to smooth-talk their way into a job or out of poor work ethic.

-ESA

Lion's Estate (Story)

There once was a master who owned a very large estate with three workers, a sheep, a goat and a fox. The master was a noble and kind-hearted lion who loved them. Everyone on the estate worked in harmony; there was peace and prosperity where everyone enjoyed the rewards of their labors.

One day, the lion was called away from the estate. He gathered his workers before him, saying, "I must leave you for a while, but I will return. In the meanwhile, I ask the three of you to continue working as you have in diligence and harmony. I place my full trust in you." With these words, he lovingly embraced them; the sheep first, then the goat and finally the fox.

When the lion had departed, the fox thought to himself, Why was I the last to be embraced? I work as hard as the the other two. In fact, I work harder since I use my clever mind to help the master's business and property prosper. Disheartened, he wandered away from the estate into the deep, dark woods.

There the darkness saw the question in his mind and taunted the fox's heart, saying "Your master doesn't love you as much as he loves your coworkers. You do your best to please him, but your best isn't good enough. Why do you continue to do so? In fact, your clever mind would be better utilized if you worked for yourself. Think how profitable you would be! In no time at all, you could be a master yourself and have an even larger estate. Wouldn't that show him?"

Delight danced in the fox's eyes as he took these words into his heart. "Oh yes! Oh yes indeed! That would be wonderful. How can this be accomplished?"

The darkness chuckled with delight and whispered the plans into the fox's uplifted and eager ears.

Meanwhile, back on the estate, the goat was also having some misgivings. As he went about his work, his eyes were drawn toward the sheep. Why did our master embrace him first? the goat wondered, his little beard bristling in envy. Does our master love him more than me? He is so docile and worthless; I'm the one who fights for our master's rights and worth of the goods his estate produces. Why should he be loved more than me?

Then a dark wind blew from the deep, dark woods across the estate and whispered into the goat's ear. The glare of envy became glints as an idea formed in his mind. Whatever the sheep works on, I will undo; when our master returns, he will see all that I have done and the sheep will have nothing to show him. From that very day, he unraveled, sabotaged and even destroyed the efforts of his coworker.

As the fox returned to the estate from the deep, dark woods, he spied the goat's actions and thought, This is what the darkness told me to watch for; my plan begins. He went straightaway to the sheep and told him, "See what your coworker has done to all your hard labors? Now, if you trust me, I could take your work and keep it safe from the goat."

The sheep trusted the fox, remembering the parting words of their master. Yearning that the estate's unity would not be lost, he humbly nodded his assent.

The fox grinned slyly; the smile never reaching his eyes. "Perhaps you could also get for me some of the goat's work as well - just to keep it safe for our master."

The sheep was horrified, "Why would I steal from my coworker?"

"Because," quipped the fox, "he obviously doesn't really understand the value of our master's estate, else he would not destroy part of it -- you work -- with his petty ambitions."

Deep inside, the sheep knew this was wrong, but he allowed himself to be deceived.

Day followed day. The goat continued to sabotage the sheep's work. The sheep saved what he could and gave it to the fox, along with what he stole from the goat. The sly fox sold the goods and continued to line his pockets and promote his own worth.

After a long while, the lion returned to his grand estate to find it in disorder and ruin. Fire glinted in his golden eyes as his anger rose, and his roar could be heard echoing across the land. Immediately he called his three workers before him and ordered each to give account for their actions.

The sheep stepped forward, humbly saying, "Forgive me, Kind Master, for I have wronged you and my coworker. Instead of working in harmony to prosper your estate, I helped bring it to ruin. I... I stole from the goat because he unraveled, sabotaged and destroyed my work. Please forgive me, Master."

Without a word, the lion's eyes went to the goat, who answered, "Forgive me, Kind Master, for I have wronged you. I thought you loved the sheep more than me, and I did what I did so I could be greater in your eyes. Please forgive me, Master."

Still silent, the lion's eyes fell on the fox who grinned back with a wicked smile. "If you think I'm going to apologize, you're crazy! I did what I needed to do and now I have wealth, notoriety and a lush estate of my own. You took my earlier work for granted and now I have more than even you!"

The lion turned to the sheep. "Do you forgive the goat for unraveling, sabotaging and destroying your work?"

"Y... yes, Master. I also wronged him, so it is only fitting to forgive him."

"Do you also forgive the fox for taking your work and keeping it as his own?"

The sheep paused and looked at the still smiling fox. "I don't think it was right, but the work I did was for you, not me. So, in truth, he stole from you. I will personally hold nothing against him for his actions."

The anger in the lion's eyes softened to mercy and compassion as he once more embraced the sheep. "Then I forgive your actions as well. Come, devoted worker, I will give you a fine room in my house."

Then he turned to the goat, "And what about you? Do you forgive the sheep for stealing your work?"

The goat grit his teeth and glared at the sheep for a long moment. "Well... Alright. If he can forgive me for what I did, I can forgive him too."

The lion smiled jubilantly. "And do you also forgive the fox for what he has done?"

The goat's bearded jaw dropped. "Are you kidding!?! He hasn't even asked for forgiveness; he's not sorry! Look at him!"

The lion's eyes turned sad as he stood before the goat. "Then your actions shall not be forgiven either. You may stay employed on this estate, but you cannot live within my house."

At last he turned in rage to the fox, baring his mighty white teeth. "You, who would steal from me and make what is mine yours shall be banished from this estate. Did you not know I have the power to take what is truly mine back to me? Foolish fox! You who listened to the darkness will be cast into the darkness - empty-handed and alone!" With those words, he grabbed the fox by the scruff and cast him off his estate.

Then he took the sheep by the hand, smiling, and led him into the main house. That night there was much celebration within the house, with dancing and music, singing, feasting and laughter.

The goat stood outside the house, yearning to enter and join the celebration. He was certainly glad he was still on the estate and not exiled as the fox had been, for there were strange, terrible sounds of suffering in the deep, dark woods -- howls, gurgles and yelps of pain so intense it made your hair rise.

While he continued to look longingly at the house, the door opened and the lion stepped out. "Why do you stand here thus, goat?"

"Because I wish to join you inside like the sheep, Master."

"Why did you not forgive the fox as the sheep did? If you had, you would be inside with him."

"I... I understand now that I should have, and I greatly regret my decision. But..." tears started to flow from his eyes, "but it is too late now."

The lion came down the steps and asked. "Have you finally found in your heart forgiveness for the fox?"

"I... I have, Master."

With an even greater joy in his heart, the lion swept the goat up into his embrace and said, "Then you are forgiven too. Come, join me and your coworker inside my house."

The next day, the lion left the estate with a bright lamp and went into the deep, dark woods -- the dominion of the darkness. The darkness seethed in rage at the intrusion, but the lion paid it no mind for he was greater and could not be touched by it. He was here to find the fox.

The darkness saw this and raced ahead, reaching the fox first. The fox sat there huddled, broken and bleeding; pain shot through him and tears continuously flowed from his eyes. The darkness wrapped itself around the fox blocking all light around him and casting fear and suspicion in his mind. When the lion reached him, he was in such a sad state of heart and mind, he did not recognize his former master nor see the bright light he carried.

"My dear fox," the lion said, "I've come to call you home."

"Home!?! I have no home! My loving master cast me from his estate for what I have done. This is yet another trick. A lie! A deception! A torture like all those that have befallen on me since I came to this wretched place! Go AWAY! Please! Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm already in a great deal of pain!?! Please! STOP THIS TORTURE!!!!!" He wept great wracking sobs.

The lion reached out to comfort him, but the fox pulled away terrified and curled into an even tighter ball of misery and pain, wrapping his tail around him and before his eyes to block out the face before him.

With a great ache in his heart, the lion left the deep, dark woods alone. He returned twice more, but twice more the fox rejected his offer.

When the lion returned to the estate after the third attempt, the goat saw the pain in his eyes and approach him. "Master, let me go to the fox and see if I can give him a message."

The lion thought a moment and agreed. "You are the stubborn one of my workers. Perhaps you can reach through the darkness and get him to listen."

The goat left the estate and entered the deep, dark woods. The darkness greeted him right away, trying to lure him away from the lion as it had done to the fox. But by now, the goat had lived in the lion's house and saw only truth. While the darkness spent its efforts casting shadows before the goat's eyes, it failed to see him as a threat and did nothing to hinder the fox this time.

When the goat found the fox in such a wretched state, his heart immediately went out to him and he knelt by the fox's side, tending to his wounds. The fox opened his pain-filled eyes and asked, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I have forgiven you as our master has forgiven me."

Tears flowed anew down damp, matted cheek ruffs. "I wish he was still my master and loved me. He never would have let this happen to me if he still loved me..."

"He does still love you."

"Then why hasn't he come to save me from this cruel fate?"

"He has - thrice. His heart aches because three times you have turned him away."

Firmly the fox snapped his jaw and shook his head. It took much convincing and several long periods of conversation between sessions of torture and torment the fox had to endure. But the goat set in his heels and would not leave the fox's side until his saw the truth too.

When at last the truth that not only did the lion still love him, but that the darkness into which his actions had cast him was the reason he did not see their master's light nor recognize him when he came, the fox asked, "What am I to do now?"

The goat lifted his eyes, looking over the fox's head. "I can see the light of the estate, even though the darkness tries to hide it from my eyes. Let me lead you there." Slowly and painfully the pair made their way out of the deep, dark woods.

In the estate's gateway, the lion stood, tears of joy cascading down his cheeks and into his noble mane. Elated, he ran the last few steps and crushed the poor broken fox against his broad chest.

Immediately, the fox's pain and afflictions fell away from him and were replaced by a Love and Joy greater than any he had ever experienced. "Please forgive me," he wept into the lion's mane as he was held in that embrace.

"I have, fox. And right now my heart sings with the greatest joy of all. Come, join us in my house."

-ESA

Imagine an Embrace

Change in perspective can make a difference.

Things haven't been good at my current company and my boss makes me increasingly irritable. The last three days, I've yearned for spare time to send out resumes and look for a new job, but I've been swamped with work.

At first, I resented the workload increase, especially as it was minimal to non-existent over the last few months. I glared at my boss' back after he'd leave more work on the ever-growing pile on my desk. I even started to bring up images how I'd like to see him "get his" in various scenarios.

This afternoon, something clicked in my head, bringing something to mind. Back in 2008, I had this color image pinned on the wall beside my laptop screen.

One day, a DHL delivery-man entered my office so I could sign for a package. While I scrawled my signature, his eyes were drawn to this print. He commented that he liked the image of Christ embracing the little girl.

When I opened my mouth to respond in the pause, he jumped back in and added, "You know, it's a nice image when you're down. But whenever you have an enemy or someone who's giving you trouble, you should also picture that person in Christ's embrace as well."

Then he smiled, took the correct spelling of my last name and walked out.

I no longer have that image but have another pinned to the wall in it's place. But the message is still the same.

I was upset at my boss and I decided to try that advice. I pictured him in Christ's embrace and ... my perspective changed.

Had I written about my boss this morning, I would have told you how he keeps dumping meaningless work on me just to get back at me because I refused to do something last week. I would have blogged how he's trying to prove that he's still "the man in charge." That is how I've increasingly felt over the last few days.

The Truth, however, is that we DID get busy after the first of the year. I should be happy; we have some sign of recovery to the business. In fact, the company just received it's first order in over 6 months today!

I was frustrated that I couldn't use company time to look for another job instead of focusing on doing an honest day's work for the pay I should be grateful to receive.

I don't know how my perspective changed as it did. Considering the level of animosity I held for my boss, it WAS difficult to picture him in Christ's embrace. It took a few attempts to succeed. But when it did... WOW!

Picture them in His embrace.
He Loves them too.
Always.

-ESA

Layoffs --> Executive Bonus

I nearly missed writing today's blog, so in the minutes after midnight before I go for the night's sleep, I jot down the words I mean for this blog to keep.

A friend of mine called with some sad news. Like mine, the company where he works had layoffs this week. Unlike mine, his company could actually afford to keep all their employees. Here is what he told my husband and I....

The company where he's employed is doing well - profitable in fact, but just not as profitable as the executives had projected. So what did they do? They laid off employees without warning and told the remaining employees that everyone left would have to take a week's furlough -- unpaid / without using vacation days or any other paid time out. Why? This way the company can make it's projected gross earnings and the executives could all earn their bonuses.

How many out there find that wrong?

With the several thousands of dollars that these executives are going to receive, the company could have kept all those they laid off and never required the rest to cut their income. Who knows how this will affect the non-executive employees? How many will find it difficult putting food on the table as they struggle through their meager savings (or none at all) while they look for a new job in a very poor economy? How many will loose their home or car?

Did the executives that made this decision even CONSIDER this or were they so focused on the bottom line -- in filling their own bloated pockets and overinflated egos -- that they did not care for their fellow man?????

This isn't even some stranger in a foreign country or even different state - these were people who worked at the same place as those they canned. Maybe they just went right to their posh offices and the corporate structure is such that the people who were impacted the most never got to enter those posh offices with all the layers of management between them.

Where I work, the company's biggest customer filed for bankruptcy and we lost 90% of our revenue. We didn't have to let people go to boost our bottom line; we had to let people go so the company could survive. Granted, we are a smaller company, but we also care about our employees. We knew exactly how such a decision would impact them each personally... How one was facing issues with paying for a new deck as his existing one was being wretched away from his home due to ground settlement. We were thrilled when we heard from another that her other part-time job needed to give her more hours so things worked out for her. Both the President and founder (his dad) of our company have actually brought THEIR salaries down to $0 per month (no bonuses or dividends either) until the company starts to see significant profits again, which means nothing through the rest of this year and possibly well into next.

What a difference a leader makes.

Not all CEO's and executives are greedy bastards (excuse the language) but there are plenty who are. In these hard times, I've heard cases both heinous and noble. I pray that God guides many more hearts as we continue to struggle on a global scale to set the economy right. I know it's wrong to wish ill on anyone, even those we see as deserving it. So instead I will wish that the light shining from those noble acts of the CEO's who really do care about those in their employ -- those whose hard labors have earned them their position, benefits and pay -- shine bright and brilliant in this darkening world and light the right path for the others who need to look up from the bottom line to see what is right and wrong. For if this world continues to support those who only look to the bottom line and self-serving goals (individual or selective group), then this world is already lost. :(

May the hearts and the acts of the noble shine bright.
Not the bottom line in their sight.
Pray.

- ESA

The Lion's Estate (Story)

There once was a master who owned a very large estate with three workers, a sheep, a goat and a fox. The master was a noble and kind-hearted lion who loved them. Everyone on the estate worked in harmony; there was peace and prosperity where everyone enjoyed the rewards of their labors.

One day, the lion was called away from the estate. He gathered his workers before him, saying, "I must leave you for a while, but I will return. In the meanwhile, I ask the three of you to continue working as you have in diligence and harmony. I place my full trust in you." With these words, he lovingly embraced them; the sheep first, then the goat and finally the fox.

When the lion had departed, the fox thought to himself, Why was I the last to be embraced? I work as hard as the the other two. In fact, I work harder since I use my clever mind to help the master's business and property prosper. Disheartened, he wandered away from the estate into the deep, dark woods.

There the darkness saw the question in his mind and taunted the fox's heart, saying "Your master doesn't love you as much as he loves your coworkers. You do your best to please him, but your best isn't good enough. Why do you continue to do so? In fact, your clever mind would be better utilized if you worked for yourself. Think how profitable you would be! In no time at all, you could be a master yourself and have an even larger estate. Wouldn't that show him?"

Delight danced in the fox's eyes as he took these words into his heart. "Oh yes! Oh yes indeed! That would be wonderful. How can this be accomplished?"

The darkness chuckled with delight and whispered the plans into the fox's uplifted and eager ears.

Meanwhile, back on the estate, the goat was also having some misgivings. As he went about his work, his eyes were drawn toward the sheep. Why did our master embrace him first? the goat wondered, his little beard bristling in envy. Does our master love him more than me? He is so docile and worthless; I'm the one who fights for our master's rights and worth of the goods his estate produces. Why should he be loved more than me?

Then a dark wind blew from the deep, dark woods across the estate and whispered into the goat's ear. The glare of envy became glints as an idea formed in his mind. Whatever the sheep works on, I will undo; when our master returns, he will see all that I have done and the sheep will have nothing to show him. From that very day, he unraveled, sabotaged and even destroyed the efforts of his coworker.

As the fox returned to the estate from the deep, dark woods, he spied the goat's actions and thought, This is what the darkness told me to watch for; my plan begins. He went straightaway to the sheep and told him, "See what your coworker has done to all your hard labors? Now, if you trust me, I could take your work and keep it safe from the goat."

The sheep trusted the fox, remembering the parting words of their master. Yearning that the estate's unity would not be lost, he humbly nodded his assent.

The fox grinned slyly; the smile never reaching his eyes. "Perhaps you could also get for me some of the goat's work as well - just to keep it safe for our master."

The sheep was horrified, "Why would I steal from my coworker?"

"Because," quipped the fox, "he obviously doesn't really understand the value of our master's estate, else he would not destroy part of it -- you work -- with his petty ambitions."

Deep inside, the sheep knew this was wrong, but he allowed himself to be deceived.

Day followed day. The goat continued to sabotage the sheep's work. The sheep saved what he could and gave it to the fox, along with what he stole from the goat. The sly fox sold the goods and continued to line his pockets and promote his own worth.

After a long while, the lion returned to his grand estate to find it in disorder and ruin. Fire glinted in his golden eyes as his anger rose, and his roar could be heard echoing across the land. Immediately he called his three workers before him and ordered each to give account for their actions.

The sheep stepped forward, humbly saying, "Forgive me, Kind Master, for I have wronged you and my coworker. Instead of working in harmony to prosper your estate, I helped bring it to ruin. I... I stole from the goat because he unraveled, sabotaged and destroyed my work. Please forgive me, Master."

Without a word, the lion's eyes went to the goat, who answered, "Forgive me, Kind Master, for I have wronged you. I thought you loved the sheep more than me, and I did what I did so I could be greater in your eyes. Please forgive me, Master."

Still silent, the lion's eyes fell on the fox who grinned back with a wicked smile. "If you think I'm going to apologize, you're crazy! I did what I needed to do and now I have wealth, notoriety and a lush estate of my own. You took my earlier work for granted and now I have more than even you!"

The lion turned to the sheep. "Do you forgive the goat for unraveling, sabotaging and destroying your work?"

"Y... yes, Master. I also wronged him, so it is only fitting to forgive him."

"Do you also forgive the fox for taking your work and keeping it as his own?"

The sheep paused and looked at the still smiling fox. "I don't think it was right, but the work I did was for you, not me. So, in truth, he stole from you. I will personally hold nothing against him for his actions."

The anger in the lion's eyes softened to mercy and compassion as he once more embraced the sheep. "Then I forgive your actions as well. Come, devoted worker, I will give you a fine room in my house."

Then he turned to the goat, "And what about you? Do you forgive the sheep for stealing your work?"

The goat grit his teeth and glared at the sheep for a long moment. "Well... Alright. If he can forgive me for what I did, I can forgive him too."

The lion smiled jubilantly. "And do you also forgive the fox for what he has done?"

The goat's bearded jaw dropped. "Are you kidding!?! He hasn't even asked for forgiveness; he's not sorry! Look at him!"

The lion's eyes turned sad as he stood before the goat. "Then your actions shall not be forgiven either. You may stay employed on this estate, but you cannot live within my house."

At last he turned in rage to the fox, baring his mighty white teeth. "You, who would steal from me and make what is mine yours shall be banished from this estate. Did you not know I have the power to take what is truly mine back to me? Foolish fox! You who listened to the darkness will be cast into the darkness - empty-handed and alone!" With those words, he grabbed the fox by the scruff and cast him off his estate.

Then he took the sheep by the hand, smiling, and led him into the main house. That night there was much celebration within the house, with dancing and music, singing, feasting and laughter.

The goat stood outside the house, yearning to enter and join the celebration. He was certainly glad he was still on the estate and not exiled as the fox had been, for there were strange, terrible sounds of suffering in the deep, dark woods -- howls, gurgles and yelps of pain so intense it made your hair rise.

While he continued to look longingly at the house, the door opened and the lion stepped out. "Why do you stand here thus, goat?"

"Because I wish to join you inside like the sheep, Master."

"Why did you not forgive the fox as the sheep did? If you had, you would be inside with him."

"I... I understand now that I should have, and I greatly regret my decision. But..." tears started to flow from his eyes, "but it is too late now."

The lion came down the steps and asked. "Have you finally found in your heart forgiveness for the fox?"

"I... I have, Master."

With an even greater joy in his heart, the lion swept the goat up into his embrace and said, "Then you are forgiven too. Come, join me and your coworker inside my house."

The next day, the lion left the estate with a bright lamp and went into the deep, dark woods -- the dominion of the darkness. The darkness seethed in rage at the intrusion, but the lion paid it no mind for he was greater and could not be touched by it. He was here to find the fox.

The darkness saw this and raced ahead, reaching the fox first. The fox sat there huddled, broken and bleeding; pain shot through him and tears continuously flowed from his eyes. The darkness wrapped itself around the fox blocking all light around him and casting fear and suspicion in his mind. When the lion reached him, he was in such a sad state of heart and mind, he did not recognize his former master nor see the bright light he carried.

"My dear fox," the lion said, "I've come to call you home."

"Home!?! I have no home! My loving master cast me from his estate for what I have done. This is yet another trick. A lie! A deception! A torture like all those that have befallen on me since I came to this wretched place! Go AWAY! Please! Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm already in a great deal of pain!?! Please! STOP THIS TORTURE!!!!!" He wept great wracking sobs.

The lion reached out to comfort him, but the fox pulled away terrified and curled into an even tighter ball of misery and pain, wrapping his tail around him and before his eyes to block out the face before him.

With a great ache in his heart, the lion left the deep, dark woods alone. He returned twice more, but twice more the fox rejected his offer.

When the lion returned to the estate after the third attempt, the goat saw the pain in his eyes and approached him. "Master, let me go to the fox and see if I can give him a message."

The lion thought a moment and agreed. "You are the stubborn one of my workers. Perhaps you can reach through the darkness and get him to listen."

The goat left the estate and entered the deep, dark woods. The darkness greeted him right away, trying to lure him away from the lion as it had done to the fox. But by now, the goat had lived in the lion's house and saw only truth. While the darkness spent its efforts casting shadows before the goat's eyes, it failed to see him as a threat and did nothing to hinder the fox this time.

When the goat found the fox in such a wretched state, his heart immediately went out to him and he knelt by the fox's side, tending to his wounds. The fox opened his pain-filled eyes and asked, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I have forgiven you as our master has forgiven me."

Tears flowed anew down damp, matted cheek ruffs. "I wish he was still my master and loved me. He never would have let this happen to me if he still loved me..."

"He does still love you."

"Then why hasn't he come to save me from this cruel fate?"

"He has - thrice. His heart aches because three times you have turned him away."

Firmly the fox snapped his jaw and shook his head. It took much convincing and several long periods of conversation between sessions of torture and torment the fox had to endure. But the goat set in his heels and would not leave the fox's side until his saw the truth too.

When at last the truth that not only did the lion still love him, but that the darkness into which his actions had cast him was the reason he did not see their master's light nor recognize him when he came, the fox asked, "What am I to do now?"

The goat lifted his eyes, looking over the fox's head. "I can see the light of the estate, even though the darkness tries to hide it from my eyes. Let me lead you there." Slowly and painfully the pair made their way out of the deep, dark woods.

In the estate's gateway, the lion stood, tears of joy cascading down his cheeks and into his noble mane. Elated, he ran the last few steps and crushed the poor broken fox against his broad chest.

Immediately, the fox's pain and afflictions fell away from him and were replaced by a Love and Joy greater than any he had ever experienced. "Please forgive me," he wept into the lion's mane as he was held in that embrace.

"I have, fox. And right now my heart sings with the greatest joy of all. Come, join us in my house."

- ESA