Hopefully, this message has gotten back to the publishing desk at WTL News because, as you can see, I have stayed a bit longer than planned. 

As I sat down to breakfast with my host and his wife, prepared to do my first interview, I was handed a message that had arrived just after dawn that morning. The one who initially sent me forth to meet with this man and his family, informed me that I’d actually not been sent there to write an article, but rather, to be taught some very important lessons. The letter instructed me to stay on awhile with Job and his family. Much of what Job had to teach would be experienced through time spent, rather than asking a bunch of questions. And I had a good list going so far, in the realm of poignant inquiries! 

While there was no doubt of my willingness to follow my Benefactors instructions, logistically, I had not come equipped for this unplanned extension to the time spent with this family. In truth, I’d only brought one extra set of clothes, as I usually wrap up interviews within a day. Most of my assignments in the past had been completed in under 48 hours, so it was clear that I’d underestimated the plans of my Boss… oh well, I would have to make this work!

While Job’s wife was somewhat older than I am, she brought out a basket with some of her clothing, as we were similar in build. She generously offering me several lovely outfits made of the softest fibers, hoping to make my stay more comfortable. Though I’d arrived unprepared for an extended stay, apparently, Job and his wife had been notified ahead of my arrival, as to the purpose and length of my stay. Seems like everyone knew what the plan was… except for this journalist! How embarrassing! While I may have experienced a bit of shame in my game, this family took everything in stride and were quite happy for the opportunity to share their home with an employee of WTL News. 

As soon as we finished breakfast, I went and changed into one of the outfits offered me, as it is currently quite warm in these parts and my normal clothes were stifling. Since my assignment had changed from journalist to student, I left my notebook and pen next to my bedside and headed out to spend the day with my host. If my Benefactor preferred sending me on an educational vacation, I was intent on getting the full experience package offered!

The first thing I should mention, is the fact that Job’s wife is a lovely woman, not at all like I thought based on how she seemed on the pages stored in the archives. I think that I may have misjudged her, not fully understanding why she reacted so strongly during his illness. I cannot imagine watching my loved one go through such horrendous suffering, while being incapable of doing anything to help. I suppose that no amount of knowledge about who God is and who we are as humans would make it easy to witness… and let’s not forget, those children that died were her sons and daughters, as well as Job’s. How horrible! Sitting with her at breakfast, one would scarcely think that she had gone through such tragedy, watching her laugh and talk with such a light heart.

The whole of the day turned out to be a massive rewrite of my opinions, not just of his wife, but of all the folks surrounding Job, as he endured all that had befallen him. Job took me to meet his close friends, who gathered at the nearby city gates frequently. I could see the open admiration and respect upon their faces, at our approach. As introductions were made all around, I was quite touched at the level of closeness still reflected between these long time friends. Watching them all talk back and forth, accompanied by frequent laughter and back patting, it was evident that these folks truly cared about each other. I found myself pondering why these kind and loving friends would speak the way they did to Job, while the man was down, so to speak? Thinking back, I found myself admitting that I too have spoken out harshly, in my past, with limited and skewed information. I can remember times, when I found out information about a situation, only after I’d already voiced my opinion. While I don’t feel like a villain, I surely felt ashamed about opening my mouth to voice my two cents, instead of just offering support and encouragement. Some lessons are more painful than others. One would never know, by the way these men laughed and chatted, that at one time there’d been such harsh and painful words spoken between them all! 

As we headed out from our visit, Job took my on a more scenic path back towards his home, pointing out where some of his children lived, as well as other friends and families properties. You could see the happiness in his eyes, as Job spoke of all the beauty and blessings he saw all around him. Not once did the man make mention of his painful past, nor point out any of the myriad of scars he carried from his illness. Job seemed so busy living, laughing and loving the life God gave him… the man simply had no time to dwell on painful memories. It seemed as if the tragedy heaped upon him, only made Job MORE… more loving, more generous, more successful and more respectable. 

Don’t misunderstand, he was still a nobody… but I found myself recognizing how much I could relate to this nobody! While I may not have a full understanding of what this man experienced during his ordeal, I did begin to see a familiar love and adoration for ones creator that also exists within my spirit. I considered this thought, along with a great many other emotions, as we walked back to his home at the end of the day. Dinner had been laid out for us when we arrived home, so we spent the rest of the evening relaxing around the hearth, eating and talking about things, the way one does with good friends. Laying in bed that night, I journaled my thoughts by candlelight, eventually drifting off to sleep. 

I’m sitting on my bed right now, jotting down this message for you before the day gets started. It’s been nearly a week since my arrival and every day is somewhat the same, as far as breakfast, daily walks and meet and greets with family members, friends, and local village members. What is not the same, are the lessons learned every time I turn around, or with each new person I am introduced to. I’ve no idea why on earth I made the assumption, that by interviewing this man, Job, I would somehow uncover a hidden secret from the past that reflected differences between us now, and those of Jobs time in history. I couldn’t have been more misguided, as I am discovering that, in fact, time has changed… but the heart of humankind still remains the same.

Though I’m unsure as to whether or not I will be back in the office next week, I will send updates as often as I can. My Benefactor did not specify the length of my stay, only saying that I’d hear his call when it was time to return to the newsroom. In truth, I feel somewhat like I’m on an extended holiday! The food is amazing, the weather is glorious, and the company couldn’t be more wonderful! I do have a tendency to work too many hours at the office, often forgetting that I need some down time to avoid burning my literary brain out! 

I pray you all are doing well, and trust that my Benefactor has your safety and health well in hand, during my extended absence… honestly, He’s been doing so all this time, as I really only do the writing of the stories… He’s the one making them!