Scene I:

(Norman enters the kitchen and picks up the phone.  He dials his case-worker at the Iowa Workforce Development Center):

"Hello, Lindsay. I'm having a ‘George Bailey’ moment. I just realized that I'm worth more dead than alive. Please call me back."

This was how it all started on February 17, 2006.  Norman had just lost his job and was desperately trying to find another one.  The only place of employment that was available at the time was the meat-packing plant.  I'm not saying that this is such a horrible place to work.  It's just that after being employed as an electronics technician for over 10 years, it wasn't exactly a move in the upward direction.  Norman really wanted to go back to school and earn another degree, but it didn't look like it was going to work out financially.  That's when he placed his desperate plea to his case-worker.

When Lindsay returned his call, she was laughing since she knew that he had been jokingly referring to the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". But, she also had good news! She had called around and figured out how that Norman really could go back to school PLUS keep our heads above water financially. She explained it all to him and it sounded like it really would work! I could see the heavy burden lift from Norman's shoulders even as he was speaking with her. During the phone conversation, he referred to her as Clarence (the angel in the movie who jumped in the river to save George). And then, just before he hung up, he took a bell off the wall and rang it and said, "Did you hear that? An angel just got his wings." Of course, we know that it was all God's doings, but we also know that He uses other people to fulfill His plan. Lindsay might not be an angel, but she sure seemed like a messenger from God to us!

Scene II:

(Enter, Norman, two years later):

He now has two extra degrees, Computer Networks & Security and Associates of Arts, to add to his Electronics/Telecommunications Degree.  These degrees look good on paper, but now where are the jobs in his expertise?  Judging by his family's quickly dwindling savings account, he knows it won't be long before they are down to just Poppa Dollar and Momma Dollar.  He needs a job right away.  Many prayers go up.  God is faithful and hears.  He answers by sending His special messengers in the form of family and friends.  They encourage, they send over food, they quietly tuck a few folded bills into our hands.  We are thankful.

God also answers the prayers by bringing along three job opportunities.  God has a plan and we, as mere human beings, try to figure it out.  We think we know which employer He will choose.  It must be the investment company, with the higher-paying salary, wonderful benefits and a bright-looking future!  But, God says "no" to it and the hospital position, which was second on the list.  Instead, He gives Norman the least on the list... but He custom fits it to meet our family's needs.  Yes, it's the office supply store here in town.  We are thankful.

It has been fun comparing these happenings the last couple of years with the movie "It's a Wonderful Life".  Some of the events were just so strikingly similar to our own situation, from the initial "George Bailey moment" two years ago to our realization just recently that God's plan is the best.  He works all things out for our good.  He is faithful... and worthy of praise!

So, starting Monday, it's off to the office supply store that Norman goes!  Yay!!! 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  In case you're wondering what the company's name is, it's called... Bailey Office Equipment Inc. 

Yes, it's a wonderful life!

~Connie~