Broken Promises
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
Frank was fortunate. Upon graduation from high school he was offered a job at the local tile plant. "I have it made now," Frank told his friends. The tile plant had been a mainstay in that community since the beginning of the century. People who were fortunate enough to be hired there would more than likely retire from that company. There was an unwritten rule: this company treated its employees well, and the employees in turn responded by working 40 or 45 years. Frank worked hard, receiving promotions and pay raises over the years.
Life was great for Frank. Several years after he landed his dream job he married Sarah and was able to buy a modest-sized house in a nice neighborhood with plenty of shade trees. "This will be a wonderful place to raise a family," Frank told Sarah after they moved in. Yes, Frank was the lucky one. He had a job he liked and a nice house, and they would soon have children.
As the years passed Frank continued to work hard. They were able to put money aside for their children's education fund. Both Frank and Sarah wanted to give their children something that was not readily available to them, further education. Later Frank would proudly say that they put all three of their children through college. Their children would be the first to have a college education in their extended families. They were proud of this accomplishment.
Life was just getting better and better for Frank until one day the unthinkable happened. Frank received notice that he would lose his job, effective in only six weeks. Frank stood there feeling numb. He could not believe it. He had worked for this company for over thirty years. This was the only place he had ever worked. The plant was acquired by a competitor firm that would be closing the plant, the notice read.
Sarah knew something was wrong the moment she saw Frank. That evening, for the first time in his life, Frank sat in his chair and cried. What would he do? He was only 51 years old. He was filled with many questions; where would he get a job at his age? Who would hire him? "My life might as well be over," he told Sarah in a moment of self-defeat. It just was not right. He had worked so hard.
After the initial shock had worn off Frank decided he would do the things he had always wanted to do but never had the time. He became involved in his community. A couple of afternoons each week he volunteered at the library, helping adults learn to read. On other days he would read stories to the children.
During this time he also became more active in his church. He wanted to make a difference in his church, that was what he told the pastor. He began visiting persons during the week, which he really enjoyed.
He made the most of his time, unlike many of his disgruntled friends. When his unemployment ran out he was able to find another job, thanks to the contacts he had made while volunteering. Although he did not earn as much money as he did at his former job he was happy. "This is what God wants me to do," he stated.
Life was great for Frank. Several years after he landed his dream job he married Sarah and was able to buy a modest-sized house in a nice neighborhood with plenty of shade trees. "This will be a wonderful place to raise a family," Frank told Sarah after they moved in. Yes, Frank was the lucky one. He had a job he liked and a nice house, and they would soon have children.
As the years passed Frank continued to work hard. They were able to put money aside for their children's education fund. Both Frank and Sarah wanted to give their children something that was not readily available to them, further education. Later Frank would proudly say that they put all three of their children through college. Their children would be the first to have a college education in their extended families. They were proud of this accomplishment.
Life was just getting better and better for Frank until one day the unthinkable happened. Frank received notice that he would lose his job, effective in only six weeks. Frank stood there feeling numb. He could not believe it. He had worked for this company for over thirty years. This was the only place he had ever worked. The plant was acquired by a competitor firm that would be closing the plant, the notice read.
Sarah knew something was wrong the moment she saw Frank. That evening, for the first time in his life, Frank sat in his chair and cried. What would he do? He was only 51 years old. He was filled with many questions; where would he get a job at his age? Who would hire him? "My life might as well be over," he told Sarah in a moment of self-defeat. It just was not right. He had worked so hard.
After the initial shock had worn off Frank decided he would do the things he had always wanted to do but never had the time. He became involved in his community. A couple of afternoons each week he volunteered at the library, helping adults learn to read. On other days he would read stories to the children.
During this time he also became more active in his church. He wanted to make a difference in his church, that was what he told the pastor. He began visiting persons during the week, which he really enjoyed.
He made the most of his time, unlike many of his disgruntled friends. When his unemployment ran out he was able to find another job, thanks to the contacts he had made while volunteering. Although he did not earn as much money as he did at his former job he was happy. "This is what God wants me to do," he stated.
