… 1 Samuel 16 : 7 ….
. I was on cloud nine as I left campus. I aced my public speaking assignment, and my other class work loads I was on top of. I would actually get some sleep when I finally made it home. The ether gassing last night finally caught up with me and I slept sound. I felt rested as I got up to dress for the factory. My jeans, t- shirt and tennis shoes was all I needed to work there. The benefits of working there, I didn’t need much of a wardrobe, and it was close to my home. There was a note on the kitchen table reminding me to see the company nurse before I left work in the morning. That wouldn’t be a problem. I grabbed what I had made for my dinner to be eaten on my break at the factory, and headed there. The guard checked my bag as I entered the factory, and perfunctorily waved me through. A note was stapled to my time card reminding me to see the company nurse before the end of my shift today as well.
. Once I clocked in my foreman wanted to know if I knew how to weld. I informed him I could arc weld, and spot weld. He smiled and brought me over to a container of A-frames and ball joints. He then plopped the ball joint into the A-frame and asked me where would I put the welds? I showed him where and he smiled again. Handing me back the A- frame and ball joint I welded the ball joint into the A-frame. He shook his head yes, and asked me to finish these containers. They would bring me more when I completed this load. I was once again isolated and wondered if the “throwing of things at me” would begin. I seemed to be in the clear. I completed my shift with no problems, and ate by myself as usual. Not too many people ate lunch in the factory on the midnight shift. Most did whatever got them through the night in their cars or vans.
.I finished my lunch and went back to my work station. The inspector had given my work a green tag which meant he checked the welds on the A-frames and they passed. The foreman made sure I would be busy for the rest of the night. I would fill two more large containers with welded A-frames before I left for the day. The welding was natural for me. I would lose my train of thought pondering my “ether dream experience” while making my production. I was constantly questioning the experience. What exactly had I seen? What exactly did I feel, and was it really a city I was standing in? The more I thought about it the more confused I became. So I decided to stop thinking about it and just praise God. For good measure, I would continue to wear my Cross and St. Michael medal on a chain around my neck. Something I still do to this day, but realizing that I am protected because of my belief in Jesus Christ. My medallions are only for identification of that truth.
. The inspector checked the welds and green tagged them. I looked at my watch it was 6:30 am. The foreman smiled at me and was impressed with the welding. He reminded me to clean-up and go see the company nurse before I leave for the day. I felt good. Even though I was pretty much isolated welding, no one was throwing anything at the large metal bins near me. I was in the back of the factory and even the general factory noise sounded distant. I went to the locker room to clean up before seeing the nurse. Taking off my leather gloves I noticed a red cross on the palm of my left hand. I must have been holding the A-frames way to tight while welding was my thought. I quickly finished washing and went to the company clinic. …My Life’s Journey To Be Continued....
MJ-Way 