So we do not lose heart

Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4 16

I have had many blessings in my life, but as all of us, my journey has hit some rough trails also. One of the lows I had was the loss of a job. Three times in my working career, I have worked at companies I felt secure in and felt I would retire from, for after all that was the way people of my generation expected. I came to work on a Friday which was the traditional day to reduce personnel. The company had sold my division a year earlier and they were downsizing the rest of the company. I saw folded boxes at the entrance which was a good sign that someone would be asked to pack up that day. Never did I expect that I would be told to use some of those boxes. Within two hours of my arrival, that is exactly what I was told and then escorted off. I was devastated. I went home and got on the phone to a friend. I lived at the time along the Fox River and it was January with some open water and a lot of ice on the river. While on the phone, I was pacing and looking out on the river seeing a large "blob" in the center of the river on the ice. I always had binoculars handy and a closer look I saw it was an eagle. Interesting. Halfway again closer to me, a second eagle flew left to right in an ascending direction. Neat! While still on that same phone call, halfway closer than the last, a 3rd eagle flew from right to left again in an ascending direction. Aha! On Eagles Wings!! My devastation turned to a tear of joy. I knew God was with me, "My Refuge", "My Rock in whom I trust". He did raise me up on Eagle's wings, and He continues to hold me in the Palm of his Hand.

Jeff Otto