Providence

Later that evening, Rick would drive me to observe my brother emerge from the H. Salt Fish and Chips restaurant where he worked. My heart leapt as I observed my now maturing younger brother masculinely approaching the car where we waited. I remember being so pleased to see him in his majesty as he walked across the parking lot toward us. Of course, as brothers, we simply greeted one another by slugging one another on the shoulder. I’d returned from my mission to a Seattle area caught in a regional economic downturn.  Inasmuch as the primary employer, Boeing, was experiencing a severe ‘cut back’ in employment, the downturn had strongly impacted ancillary companies, supporting industries and regional retail performance. The entire Seattle region was experiencing a regional economic depression. Men with advanced educational resumes and long-time employment had been laid off and were searching for work of any kind to provide for their families. Though still functioning, the Seattle area was palpably depressed and actively endeavoring to revert to the economic vitality it had experienced during prior years.

Construction

Having returned to a locale separated from my departure area (Lake Tapps) by 60 miles, I knew I’d not be able to ‘pick up’ where I’d ‘left off’. I’d need to start from nothing and endeavor to resume secular ‘life’ as best I could; given my seemingly ‘unemployable’ status. Nevertheless, I realized I knew little, if anything, about what I should do to solve the problems I was now ‘saddled’ with. Such a circumstance was distinctly disconnected from the life I’d led mere days earlier in England.

Fortunately, I was made aware of a ward member who was engaged in constructing a couple houses in a nearby community. Based on the favorable association my father had with this gentleman, I was hired to participate as a general laborer and assigned to erect a structure that would provide a form in which a cement retaining wall could be poured later that week. Pleased with the opportunity to work, and furthermore to work on something that would be permanent and meaningful; I commenced work on the Monday morning of the week. Having worked for hours to erect the form, I realized that the form was less than straight (an assumed requirement of the form). Upon its erection, I then commenced to endeavor to straighten the form (without dismantling it). I worked the remainder of the day attempting to correct inappropriate bulges and straighten meandering edges. At the conclusion of the day, I examined my work and found it to be less than the ‘square’ that I’d endeavored to accomplish. Thinking that I would ‘true up’ the imperfections of the form on the following day; I went home believing I would accomplish corrections on the morrow. Arriving at work the next day, I conversed with my kind employer concerning the imperfections of the form. He kindly commiserated with me concerning the form and encouraged my endeavors to improve the form. I commenced endeavoring to enhance the form. Later that day, I recognized that my efforts had done little to straighten the form. Improvements in one area often surfaced as imperfections in another. Finally, after working all day in order to straighten the form; I realized that (though the form was significantly better than initially erected); it would never achieve the level of perfection I had in mind - when I had commenced its construction. Recognizing that I was not especially predisposed to the imperfections inherent in construction endeavors; I explained my dissatisfaction with my achievement and my apparent disposition toward (what must’ve appeared to be) perfection. My kind employer attempted to minimize my dissatisfaction and did not chastise me concerning the form. Feeling that I’d let my employer down in a minimal task; I decided to no longer impose on his generosity and rendered my resignation on the spot. He graciously relented; and I contemplated the drastic nature of the decision I’d made.  I was no closer to obtaining work than experienced two days earlier (though the region was seriously financially depressed). I can only wonder at the alarm my parents had endured as I explained my actions that evening. To their credit (though they certainly queried regarding my circumstance), I do not recall any disapproval at my unfathomable separation from available employment. Wondering at my now renewed unemployment, I fell asleep considering that I may have been impatient and reactionary to my own obviated imperfections.

I approached a female teller to query regarding about some type of employment. (I hoped I might be able to obtain something like a custodian; but, of course, I proceeded not knowing anything about where I was). She cordially acknowledged me and I blurted out that I was looking for some type of employment there at the college. Taken by my announcement, she stammered that I might consider talking with a gentleman located at one end of the large room opposite the door I’d entered by. (I somehow had not noticed the several desks located at the end of the room.) Querying where I might find the gentleman she’d referenced; she gestured toward a gentleman at one of the desks. The man, recognizing the teller’s gesture asked if he might help me in an loud voice that helped me identify him. I immediately left the teller and walked to address the man at his desk. Not realizing who I was talking to, I again repeated my purpose to obtain employment information. He affably explained that I was within a financial institution associated with Everett Community College. (I would later assume the organization was akin to a financial aid department.) He then explained that he knew nothing of what might be called an employment office for the college. Taking his answer as a no; I thanked him for his help, whirled about, and strode past the tellers toward the exit. I was somewhat embarrassed at my naivete. Then as I grasped the door knob to exit, I heard the man’s voice loudly ask- “What’ve you been doing?” Why he would ask such a question, I do not know. I’d not indicated anything of where I’d been nor what I’d been doing prior to coming to the office. After returning to his desk, I retorted (somewhat timidly) that I’d been in England for the past two years serving a mission for the Mormon church. (Inasmuch as this was a secular office, I used the familiar name for the church to allow ready recognition.) He then asked if I would like to receive a grant. I’d never come across such an award; nor was I familiar with the use of the word. I queried as to what the word meant; and he explained that it was money offered to help one attend college. Taken back by the offer to receive money that I’d not explicitly earned; I asked him to explain what he’d just stated and I found myself repeating back his words to assure myself that I understood correctly. Upon discussing the circumstance, he explained that he’d fill out the proper paperwork for me to receive a grant that would pay for a full year’s tuition at Everett Community College; and that I could receive the gift a few days later upon return to the office. I expressed my surprise and gratitude at unexpectedly receiving such a benefit; thanked him for his kindness; and exited the office somewhat bewildered by what had just taken place! I’d not only received means whereby I might enroll at the school; but I’d received means whereby I only needed to cover my books for the entire coming year! As I drove home to deliver the good news, I was subdued by a recognition that I’d been greatly blessed for serving God for two years! Humbled by such realization, I quietly sojourned across town to announce to my parents that the unemployment I’d recklessly incurred the day before had been overcome and more! I was humbled to experience the event and deliver such a message to my beloved parents.

Work
I was certainly grateful for the grant I’d been blessed with; but I still needed some means whereby I could provide for my books and ancillary needs. Upon arriving home to announce my grant, I was informed that a retail establishment I’d contacted a day or so before wanted to consider me. I immediately arranged to borrow the car again and drove to the establishment. To my delighted surprise, the outlet was a 7 Eleven that wanted to consider me for a clerking position that had recently become available. The proprietor explained that the position would be part-time and usually in the late afternoon and evening hours. As we discussed the opportunity, I was quietly thrilled and hoped I’d be able to obtain the position. The store was within easy walking distance from the college and the hours did not conflict with my anticipated classes at all. Finally at the conclusion of our informal interview, the proprietor informed me that he had a couple of other interviews to conduct; and that he’d contact me soon regarding the outcome. The following day he phoned me and offered me the position! Of course, I took the job and was overcome with gratitude that I’d been led to solve my financial difficulties in a matter of just days.

Providence

What was particularly demonstrative to me was that:

• A matter of a week or so earlier I’d been virtually destitute to engage my secular life.
• Having attempted construction, I felt that I’d failed and took it upon myself to maintain integrity and remove myself from further burden on the generous developer.
• I’d recklessly incurred parental support when I’d been afforded employment at the benefit of my father’s expense of recommending his son (me) as a good employee. He’d stuck his neck out for me and I’d let him down.
• I knew nothing of a grant nor any possibility of qualification for such. I’d nearly lost the opportunity; but was called back by the administrator as my hand literally took hold of the doorknob to leave! I thought I’d not be allowed an opportunity as I reported that I’d been serving a mission for the past two years. Such announcement may have actually permitted such financial help!
• Having received divine assistance in acquiring a grant to cover my tuition; I knew I’d still need a job to cover books and incidentals. Another day and I received a job within a block or so of the college where I’d attend school for a year.
• It turned out that my father worked outside of Everett and could drop me off each day at school on his way to work! Thus, transportation to school (which was some distance from our home) had been supplied.
• On the days that I did not work, my father could pick me up on his way home from work. Thus, transportation home had been provided for.
• On the days I did work, I simply left campus and walked the couple of blocks to work.
• The only thing not supplied had been transportation home (generally about 11 pm). Fortunately, there were those that were willing to come and get me about that time.
• All of these developments had occurred amidst a severely depressed community. Those with advanced degrees and years of experience went without. While this simple returned missionary (me) was blessed with needed educational opportunity and work. All within walking distance of each other. The blessings were immense.

In short, most of my needs had been provided for within a day or so of my having relinquished my less-than-adequate performance at the construction endeavor. My needs had been supplied - by divine influence - for the entire coming year; and I’d simply been led to obtain such – not knowing beforehand what to do nor what might occur. To me, this was divine providence acting in my behalf. And to this day, I consider the development to be a miracle and just one of God’s tender mercies extended to me personally! I’ll be forever grateful!!

                                  Library where I studied while waiting for ride.                 Building where I took most of my classes.