Road Closed. But, Sure Looked Open!

Ever been driving on the one and only road to a destination, and suddenly, without warning, the road is blocked?  It's closed!  You think, No, no, no!  This can't be happening.  You're stymied.  You're in a bit of a quandary.  What seemed like a perfectly good way only a few moments earlier, isn't any longer.  Since you are unable to drive any ​further, there's nothing to do, but to turn around and go back.  Regroup.   Sort out your options.  And, start over.
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​​I had just graduated from high school, and if ever in my young life there was a sure thing - this was it.  It was hands-down, unequivocally, a "no-brainer".  ​I had an inside lead on a job.    ​​I doubted that getting a job could be any easier.  The road sure looked open.  And I was  giddy with hope and optimism.

I had heard that the company where my dad worked was taking applications.   I couldn't believe it.   My dad had been working at this factory for 24 years.   And, my grandpa had recently retired from the same factory after 35 years.  I felt that the odds were good that I would get hired – well, because of my “pedigree”.  The factory was hiring, so it was a perfect time to start my "career-path".  Grandpa, and dad were factory workers, so I assumed I would be too.    The road was wide-open.  The way seemed clear.   Working there even felt a bit predetermined.   Why not?

So, days after graduating, I trundled down to the factory, put in my application, and waited.   

It was only a few days later that I got THE CALL.  I was asked if I was still interested in a job.  "You bet!" I said.  “Yes!  Absolutely!  What do I need to do?  When do I start?"  The road was open, and my pathway was  clear. 

​I was told that the next step in the application process was to get some x-rays and take a physical.  I was in great shape.  I had run track and cross-country my senior year.   I had either mowed lawns or shoveled snow in the neighborhood since I was 13.  I felt good.  Had no major problems.  I figured that I was already hired.   And, I was mentally counting my paychecks.

But, I figured wrong. 

When they called back, I was shocked with what I heard.  They said that the x-rays showed that I had a bad back.  They apologized, but said that they were unable to hire me because of my back condition. “Huh?”  "You're kidding."  I couldn’t believe it.  "Really?" 

After they hung up, I just stared at the black rotary phone mounted on the wall.   Baffled!  I fidgeted with the stretched-out phone cord.  I was a bit stunned.  The way was closed.  What do I do now? 

Without a "Plan A", I desperately tried to regroup.  And, worked to come up with anything that could be a "Plan B". 

Now, my mom is not an aggressive "go-getter".  She is quiet and reflective.  But, on this occasion, she WAS an opportunist.   During my senior year, my parents had floated an idea for me to consider attending a nearby Bible school.  They said they were willing to pay the tuition for a year.  They prayed.  I didn't.  I don't even think it crossed my mind.  For the most part, I was ambivalent.  My reason for considering it was anything but spiritual. Yet, when "Plan A" fell through, my mom "just so happened" to have an application on hand - which I eventually completed and mailed in.   My approach was "if nothing else pans out by the end of the summer, I'll go to Bible school."  So, it became my loose backup plan.    

As August drew to a close, and September loomed,  I had no alternatives.   So with no goals,  nor grand vision for the future, other than a penchant for travel, I headed off to Bible school - which put me directly on the path to an encounter with God  that was to profoundly change my life - within five months.

As I reflect, I find it interesting that during that summer following graduation, I worked full-time for a lawn care service - mowing lawns and doing landscaping all day.  It was physical "back-breaking" work - and my back never bothered me.  Imagine that!  Also, I worked out routinely for the next 40 years.  Backpacked a bunch.  Wore out three stationary bikes.  Worked in and out of warehousing – lifting and moving lots of 40 - 60 lb. boxes - while standing on concrete.  And, I've never had back pain - nor have x-rays shown that I have a back condition.  My back seems to be structurally fine.  "Hmm!"

​As I look back, this was my first experience with a  “closed door”.    But, it was a "closed door" with  some curious dynamics.   I still chuckle when I think about it.  I don't know much about the sovereignty of God, and all that stuff, but it sure seems like something was afloat.  If I had just been told that the factory hired someone else, I would've had a different reaction.   But, "back issues?"  Come on, give me a break.  Every time I think about it, I keep coming back to the same thing.  It sure seems like God was at work in this my very first transition as an adult - even when I didn't know it.    Another, Hmm!

It is obvious to me that this event became the launching pad for my own spiritual journey.   While I didn't have a plan, God did.   While my own GPS wasn't plugged in, my parent's was.  God used them and others to begin to nudge me to turn on my own.  God was beginning to teach me to trust him.  And, to do so in every season and transition.   So - these days, as I "reflect in my mirror of my life" - I am convinced that he was at work then - just as he is now. 

And just so you know:  I would like to be able to say that this was the first and last time that there was a closed door that seemed really curious.  But, nope!  It ain't so.  It happened again, about 18 years later.  Stay tuned!  Be blessed.  God can be trusted!

Next Time: ​ The Tale of the Tightrope Walker