By Rick Breth

I was feeling unsatisfied with my job. I was in a rut. Same old people every day. Same problems. Maybe it was time for me to look for a new job.

I decided to take some training classes at a nearby technical college. The classes were on Mondays through Thursdays after work from 5:30 to 9:30.

After I started attending the classes, I realized that working and learning a new trade would really be a grind! But I was determined to learn a new skill and find a different job.

It was a tough schedule to keep, but I was learning many new things and even making some new friends along the way.

After a couple of weeks, I really started to enjoy those classes and was actually looking forward to getting off work and heading into class in the evening. And I was learning a new skill so I could find that new job.

Then, as quickly as they had started—BOOM—the classes were done!

At the end of the course I attended was a job fair with many local company representatives. So I prepared copies of my resume, dressed nicely and showed up. I spoke to many of those company representatives about their companies and the employment opportunities that were available.

I quickly realized something surprising.

All of these company representatives were telling all of us potential new-hires the same thing. If I came to work for their company then they would name the days and hours I would work. And my starting wage would be only about a third of what I was currently earning.

So I listened and smiled and took the paperwork they were handing out about each of their respective companies. I said “Goodbye” to my teacher and classmates and walked to my car and drove home in silence, mulling over the biggest lesson that I had just learned from those training classes.

And it is this: that I should be thankful and content with what God has already provided for me.

1 Timothy 6:8 says, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

I remembered the chain of events that God used to bring me into my current trade 22 years ago, and decided that I should make the most of it. Maybe I just needed a new attitude, and not a new job.

So now, with a refreshed spirit and a changed outlook on my situation, I can actually throw myself into that same old job, with a renewed intensity, knowing that I have learned another valuable lesson, and a new skill, just in case I need it.

I know there is no such thing as too much education; it can only help to make me more balanced. I also am reminded that I should not take for granted all the many blessings that God has continuously provided for me and my family for many, many years.

All this from my Father who teaches me every day about everything I will ever need to know. Not the least of which is to be content!