Unexpected Moments

Sometimes something surprises you so much it practically knocks the wind out of you. Sometimes you go along in life, thinking you have it under control and your current plan is working just as you imagined, or at least pretty close. And sometimes God has another plan for your life and thankfully He has it under control and His plan is working just as He imagined.....however we know that does not always make the shock of unexpected change any easier.

We knew going into the union years ago that a life in the trade industry would involve layoffs. We were warned and expected them. We have been blessed to have only had a few in Scott's long career. We have also been blessed that through this economic downturn Scott has had work when so many others did not. When he recently got laid off from one company, he was picked up by another very quickly. Things slowed down for the new one so they "loaned" him back to the first one...with the intention that they would want him back soon. Which they did, they hired him on with a guarantee of 1 year of work, it was truly an answer to prayer....but God had another plan. On Monday Scott shot me a quick text, "I just got laid off". It came as a complete shock. So much so I wanted to get off the road and park so I could talk to him. In the past the smell of layoff would meander through the air a few weeks before, not this time. It was completely out of the blue for us, and for all the other men laid off from this job site.

Last week was a bit of an adjustment, but thankfully, God has shown us that this time is precious and holds far more value than the amount we are losing in income. We are having time together as a family. Our children have their dad home all day, he can participate in our homeschool time. Praise God, we already own the materials to add on to our deck, so Jordan and he will be building a deck! He has time to just relax and enjoy his family and home.

As I have said God is good. He has already shown that He has plans to provide for our needs. I was already working a small cleaning job on Sunday mornings and that will continue. I have a friend who will be giving me the coupons from her newspapers (which she gets 2!) so I can do some serious coupon shopping! I have the possibility of working for Weight Watchers very part time, but it will bring in a little extra income without a huge time commitment! In addition, we have already had some amazing memories all together! This week alone we have gone to a museum, ate at a fabulous Italian restaurant (gift card!), gone swimming, heard a speaker at the holocaust survivor forum, enjoyed brunch with some amazing friends, gone to a concert and of course Atira's recital performance! I am so excited to see what is next!

As we heal from the shock of this layoff, we look forward to many fun memories as a family. Scott has never had a summer layoff before and we look forward to some fun days hiking and spending time outdoors, as well as checking off the many projects on our to do list. We pray the Lord gives Scott work in His time and not ours and that we walk in peace on this journey. I plan to post more about our fun family adventures during this precious time! I know there are lots in store, so stay tuned! :)