The company I work for is in the midst of a reorganization and downsizing of management. Those of us at the lower levels of management have had to reapply for jobs. At the end of this month it is conceivable that I may be unemployed. Although I believe I am highly qualified for one of the new positions, so are many others. At first I found this worrying and frightening as most anyone would. Upon prayer and reflection, I realize that I've done enerything I can. The rest is in God's hands, and I will accept the outcome either way. Those of us who are let go will receive a fairly generous severance package of one week's pay for every year of service. In my case that is 18 years. We would also, of course, be paid for all unused vacation time. I have 2 weeks and 3 days. Thus, I will receive almost 5 months pay if I'm let go. That should give me plenty of time to find another job. In addition, our health insurance would continue to be paid by the company for six months.

Some of my colleagues feel that after years of loyal service we are owed continued employment by the company. That is flawed thinking. The board and upper level management have a duty to maximize returns to the shareholders. If they fail to do so, they will be replaced. Now, I'm not trying to justify their actions or to accept blindly that upper management will make the right choices every time. In my opinion many of their choices have been poor ones. The results of this reorganization remain to be seen. I am doubtful of its success, but I am willing to wait and see the results. In time the consquences of this decision will become clear. Perhaps the company will prosper because of this decision; perhaps it will suffer. Of course I own some stock, but not a lot. I feel that investing one's retirement fund primarily in the stock of one's employer is a critical mistake. Should the company fail, that person has lost not only his job, but his savings as well.

I am at peace with the results of this reorganization however it falls. My wife is more concerned than I, but it is in God's hands, and all things work for good to them that love the Lord. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way to us, but our view is limited, whereas God sees the big picture. We have to trust His wisdom.