A Rail journey into the Future

It had been over 20 years that Steve had been working for the local clothing store in the little town of Carrieville. Steve loved the town and the people, and was a great place to settle and work in. But this day was to be a life changing moment, and the owner Peter decided to sell the store and retire.

Mr. Willis, I have been working for you since I was in high school, and I can't imagine working anyplace else. Peter looked intently at Steve and spoke sincerely, I know Steve, but its time for me to move on too, Since my wife passed on it just hasn't been the same.

I realize that Mr. Willis. Its just I am not sure what to do next.

You are a sharp gentleman, said Peter, and you get along with everyone. You will find your place somewhere.

Hey, I just had a thought. My brother owns a clothing store in Bryden. I know he has been looking for someone responsible to help him run the store. And he is a great to work for if I do say so myself. No bias intended.

Now I know it may mean moving there since it is about 400 miles away, but Bryden is also a great place to live and work as well. Him and I grew up there. I only moved here because this is where my wife grew up. You know, I will even pay your train ticket to get there and back. Then you can decide for yourself if its a fit. But who knows, you might like it there.

Ok, thank you Mr. Willis. I appreciate the generosity. Ill go talk to him tomarrow. Sounds like a plan said Peter, Ill let Jack know you are coming. He can put you up in his guest house for one night and then you can take the train back.

Steve was nervous about the prospect of that big of a change. But he was willing to at least give the job and the town a look, knowing the move would require finding a place to live as well. So, the next day he boarded the south train for Bryden. He never really saw any places around Carrieville. After all he was born there, and raised there. Worked there his whole life. This was going to be a big change.

The nerves were growing as the train approached the station, and the wondering what would be next. As he got off the train, a well dressed gentleman approached him.

Hi, I am Jack Willis. You must be Steve. Yes I am, he said clearing his throat.

Alright, come with me. Ill take you to my house so you can get settled. Then after dinner, we can go by the store and talk. Sounds good said Steve, nervously and clearing his throat.

That evening Jack and Steve went to Jacks store to look around, and talk.

Yes, I have been in need of good help for while said Jack firmly. I really need someone with your experience in clothing and good customer care to be here during the day. We can get pretty busy and as responsible as my brother said 'ntyou were. I am sure this will work out.

Thank you for the kind words, uh, I would need some time to find a place and move my things.Steve said with some caution. Thats ok said Jack, I understand. As far as a place to live, for now you can live in my guest house. You've seen it. Yes I have Steve said. And it would be ok for now.

Thats what I mean, you can live there for now. help me with the store and with keeping and eye on the homeplace. Sometimes I can't get the lawn mower to start, and wouldn't mind the help.

After awhile, Steves nerves settled a little, but he wondered how long Jacks store would continue. After all, he looked about the same age as Peter and was also a widower. There were some things to think about.

That night Steve laid in bed and thought and contemplated. He prayed and asked God for guidence, and morning he knew what he was to do.

Over a yummy breakfast the next day, Steve told Jack that he would take the position. Jack was excited needless to say and said that he would make sure that Steve would get settled ok.

Steve was excited by nervous at the same time in that this would be a huge change for him and who knows what the future would hold. But he was confident that God would take care of him and the move and what was to come.

As he returned to Carrieville, he spoke to Peter and told him his decision to move. Peter was very pleased, and said, Steve, I know this is a huge deal for you, but you will do well there, and the people there as just as pleasant there as they are here. I will come and visit from time to time, and so this isnt a forever goodby, but a so long for now.

Steve understood, and prepared for the next chapter of his life. As he did he was thankful to God for the chance to keep working and to kinda keep it in the family as well.

Soon the move would happen, but Steve would always have great memories of Carrieville and Mr. Willis. and the people,but would also be able to make a lot of new friends.

Maybe, you as a reader aren't facing anything this big, but change is always taking place, and the best thing I can say is to depend on God, and if change in location or job or someone in the family is missing, God is more than able to guide you through, and keep you settled and at peace. God never changes, and that is one thing we can count on for each of us