Emmaus Walk / Debra Tomaselli

In life’s uncertainties, never doubt that God has a plan for you

Even before we have a clue, God knows what’s best for us. Better than we do. God knows.

“I might as well tell you now,” my manager said, taking a step toward my workspace. “You’ll be moving to Sandy’s desk in the next couple of weeks.” He was walking through the office, addressing the upcoming changes.

This was no surprise. Management had decided to restructure the teams and align the seating accordingly. Everyone faced relocation.

However, I cringed at the news.

My new quarters would be in a distant section of our bustling office, separated from the colleagues and environment I’d grown to love.

Jeanette, a faith-filled associate who had worked beside me, was also saddened. As we discussed our disappointment, concerns and resistance to the move, I prayed for wisdom.

Finally, I looked at her.

“You know this is bigger than us, right?” I said. “This isn’t just a management decision. It’s bigger than that.” I pointed skyward. “God is orchestrating this. Who knows whose life you’ll affect in your new area? Who knows whose life will affect you?”

The following week, I accepted my new space—a cubicle nestled on the opposite side of the office. No longer seated near the front lobby with its traffic and bustling conversations, I was now located near the back door, in a silent, low-key aisle.

It was almost like working in a totally different office. God only knows why I ended up over there.

I missed Billy’s whistling. I longed to hear Kani’s contagious laughter. I missed the engaging discussions.

Don’t get me wrong.

I liked my new workspace. I was seated near three associates, and I treasured each of them.

I just didn’t like the silence.

One particular day, as I complained, my husband suggested I request a change.

“Just ask them to move you back to the other side,” he said. “It’s probably no big deal.”

He was right. I actually serve several teams in my office, so my seating isn’t as critical as most.

I considered making the request. I almost did. But in the end, I decided to heed my own advice.

Certainly this new location was orchestrated by a God who knew more than me. If God wanted me to sit here, sit here I would.

Unexpectedly, I began to struggle with health issues. After a lineup of doctor’s appointments, I met with an oncologist and discovered we’d be battling lymphoma.

Little did I know how someone that I sat near was about to impact my life.

Donna, a cancer survivor, was one of the three associates located near me. She noticed my absences and expressed concern.

Drawn by her compassion, I chose to confide in her. When chemotherapy was scheduled, Donna was the first to know.

When I’m out, she keeps everyone updated on my progress. When I needed a transfusion, she organized an office-wide blood drive. When she discovered a local 5-kilometer run aiding the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, she enlisted co-workers to participate.

Donna’s been a tremendous support, offering faith, courage, strength and practical advice.

Undoubtedly, God had a plan.

God only knows what I’d do without her.
 

(Debra Tomaselli writes from Altamonte Springs, Florida. She can be reached at dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.) †