Today at 7pm I walked out of Corning’s Concord fiber optic plant for the last time. In February of 2008 I showed up in Locust NC with no job, no home…nothing but a very real sense that God had led me to this place for a period of time. I worked a couple of smaller, part time jobs until in May I was hired on at the Corning plant and began to learn about the process to make fiber optic cable. I went from preaching and walking with people in times of need to being concerned about shutting a manufacturing plant down due to loss of airflow, water pressure or a power outage. I have learned a lot about myself these last six years…most of all I have learned how God has been present to provide for me every step of the way. There were times I have wanted to walk away, throw in the towel and at those moments I was given just enough strength to continue on. I was granted a rare opportunity to see the world through different lenses, to live in a totally different way and it has helped shape me for the next season of life and ministry. I am glad it is over…I am thankful for the opportunity…I am thankful for the way God has used Corning to provide for my family these past six years. Driving out of the parking lot for last time was a bittersweet experience…I will miss some of what I left behind…most especially some of the friends I made as we worked side by side to produce the worlds best fiber. Next time you are online or using your smart phone to check email…think of the people who work 12 hour swing shifts week after week, month after month, year after year to make it happen. So often we take things in life for granted without ever giving any thought to the efforts and sacrifices of others that make so much of what we enjoy available.
Grace & Peace,
Dan
