Obtaining and Excelling at a Job

Back in March of 1998 I was contemplating looking for work when the Lord directed me to find something on the Web related to optical lab work, although I never worked in one before. I discovered an optical lab technician position available in the Denver Post/Rocky Mountain News online. So I went and applied at Duffens Optical who placed the ad.

Amazingly, I found I had supernatural confidence while filling out the job application and I documented information about my color aptitude without realizing why. It never occurred to me that color aptitude would be important in this position. But when I was interviewed I began to learn why. They were looking to fill a position in the dye station. I was astounded! It was the Lord all the time directing my steps.

After a couple days or so, I decided to give a followup phone call on my application. I was able to start almost immediately.

The first few days seemed impossible and it required a lot of stretching in me for my patience and eye training. It was very hard in the beginning but the confidence of my trainers helped pull me through the learning process. I confessed, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" throughout my shift each day. It finally caught on to my brain and it kicked in and made me the most excellent dye technician that Denver wholesale optical lab ever had in its 30 years of existence at the time.

When I began there, I had no inkling of how I could ever learn to tint lenses to the extent I needed to to achieve perfection in matching lenses one with another, especially with single and double gradients. It was one of my biggest tests of patience I had ever had as it took practice, practice, practice, and more practice.

However, I am very grateful for the training I was given and their belief in me as I believe wholeheartedly that the support I received on the job was the catalyst for my success there. It was the longest job I ever held. I am thankful to have had this experience. Besides this lab being a family owned business, I enjoyed working there because we were a thriving team and ran a tight ship.

It was more than just a job. They were like family to me of which I felt like an honorary member. I feel I owe much credit to my supervisor, Joe Stoker who encouraged cross-training and who scheduled meetings every week to ensure we were all on the same page. He had a heart of a champion and a leader that is not found in very many I have worked with, though I have had other bosses I've enjoyed. But Joe was motivated and visionary, no pun intended. But his enthusiasm was contagious. Thank you, Joe, if you ever read this and I hope you do someday! You helped me grow!

But above all else, I feel that God's word really set the stage for my success in that season of my life. How much more can it in this new season despite the critical time we are in now? I am seeing it in the lives of others who against all odds are excelling beyond what was ever imagined. So I believe it possible to surmount the seeming impossibilities now. Thank You, Lord! Amen.