Driving down Atlanta road, train chugging along the track next to the road, eyes intently on the road – remembering where I was 13 years ago today. As I lead an Ops training class in Tampa for a group of assistant managers, someone came into the training room and said that a plane had just hit one of the Twin Towers in NYC. I’ll never forget the sense of confusion and disbelief that came over all of us, and we poured into the break room to check out the news. Then, much to our horror we saw the second impact live on the air. A moment in time that would change all of our lives forever. Immediate goal at that point was to get our participants and ourselves home to our families throughout the state of Florida.
And the wave of change flooded NYC and our entire nation, from the impact of death, the heroism of first responders to increased security. Perhaps one of the biggest changes was the sense of brotherhood, as the USA stood united in their resolve to not back down to the threat of terrorism.
Changes….
And in my office, I hear voices coming from next door and pause as no one has been in that office for three or so months now since the reorg. Off to a meeting in another building on another floor, and I pass it – what used to be my ‘cube’ before I was caught up in a massive layoff many years ago. Back in my office again, my pc beeps with an incoming email from a former co-worker from years ago, also caught up in a reorg, wanting to schedule lunch to catch up. All of the changes a result of business decisions that have nothing to do with the people, but yet everything to do with their lives. Easy to see in retrospect, a bit challenging in the moment.
Changes…..
And a friend comes to meet chat with me about an upcoming surgery that will change his life forever. I listen intently knowing that I can pray to take his pain & fear away, and for the Great Physician to guide his surgeon’s skillful hands.
Changes…..
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And another friend making a move to a new job, excited and scared all at once, embarking on a new adventure that has the potential to help her grow her career by leaps and bounds….. (BTW – my retirement plan is to be her Admin:)
Changes…..
And then, I and our Ohana are faced with the ultimate change as myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope left this crazy world of ours. Sadness creeps in at unexpected moments as I think about the change in our lives. And then it is replaced with joy as I remember the change myDarlin’ made in my life 11 years ago.
Today, I pause to give my gratitude to our Lord who has our back in every situation every day if we will only stop to listen. And when we pray, it should not be for our own desires, but for His Will to be done. God bless all that are going through changes, and that they are able to see his blessings
#KeepLookingUp
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