Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Work (07/27/06)
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TITLE: Lost Jobs Last Chance | Previous Challenge Entry
By alan polacek
07/31/06 -
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John’s thoughts were distracted by a shadow approaching from the rear of his car.
“Hey, John. Can you believe this? I knew the company was having problems. But I never expected to come to work and find it locked down. You’d have thought they would give us some kind of warning.”
“ Yeah well, I guess a lifetime of good service doesn’t get you much. We’re just a number. When I first started here it was like family. Then they sold out and it’s gone down hill ever since. Used to be the president knew each employee by his or her first name. Now ....like I said, a number.”
“Look John, here comes the Rev.!”
“Who?”
“You know.... Johnson. The guy that’s always trying to get us to come to church and talking about being saved.”
Walking up to the car, Joe Johnson greeted his co-workers with his usual smile.
“ Hello Jim...John. I didn’t see this coming...You?”
“No.” John answered. “ Pretty much ruined my day. Me and Jim here was just thinking about getting a bunch of us together and going to the bar and wash the bad taste out of our mouths. How ‘bout coming along? Nothing like a cold beer or two to settle a person and help think things out.”
“ Thanks anyway fella’s but my drinkin’ days are over.”
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot, you’re better than us.”
“Yeah!” Jim agreed. “ You’re mister high and mighty. Well this time you’re just like us. Unemployed! How’s it feel?”
“ Listen fellows. I just came over to .....never mind. You take care and if you do go to the bar, go easy on the booze. It will only add to your problems.”
“ There you go!” John exclaimed. “ Preaching again! We’re going to meet with our friends and share in their grief. What are going to do? Go off in your private little corner away from all us wrong doers and give thanks for being kicked to the curb?”
“As a matter of fact. I am going to pray. But not by myself.” Joe answered. “ I’m going home to my wife and family and tell them what’s going on. Then pray that some good will come of this.”
John couldn’t take it. “ For crying out loud! Your kind makes me sick!” Then sarcastically added. “Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away my livelihood and by the way. Here’s my mortgage and the rest of my bills. I’ll take cash or check....Oh look, nothing!”
Turning back. Joe replied. “ Yeah, that’s pretty much what I’m going to pray for. But not quite like that. I’m going to give this to the Lord and trust that all my needs are met. Ask that He watch over you and others that’s caught in this mess. Then I’m going to ask that He guide me in the direction I need to go.”
Jim raised his arms, looking to the sky, mocking Joe. “ Yes Jesus. I’ll go Jesus. Thank you for your guidance, Jesus.... Come on John. Jesus just told me the guys are waiting and our beer is getting hot.”
Joe just smiled and took it in stride. “ I’ll be seeing you. I wish you would reconsider. There is a better way. . Oh! By the way. I’m going to the unemployment office this afternoon. I’ll be glad to pick you up. Hate for you to get stopped for being under the influence and have that added to your problems.”
“ Don’t you worry about us Rev. There’s time for all that later! Old John here will be just fine. I’m gonna ride out unemployment for as long as they’ll let me. And worry about a job later.”
Joe shook his head. “ Lots of people have said there will be time later and too soon found their time cut short. Leaving this world without knowing their Savior.”
Watching Joe walk away. Jim turned to John with a smirk. “ You know. I think in a round about way, he just told us to go to hell.”
“Get in Jim. I’ll drive. You buy the first round.”
Laughing and joking about Joe, they pulled out of the plant parking lot for the last time. Into the path of an oncoming semi.
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