I will admit that I am a hoarder and that is okay. I keep just about everything and the idea that maybe one day my kids or grandchildren would find it interesting what their old man was up to and his adventures. I pulled something out of the box the other day that just sent cold chills all over me.
In July of 1998, I was working at channel 2 in Nashville and trying to break into the sports world. I had seen a job opportunity at a TV station in Birmingham for a sports producer/reporter and I applied. Almost immediately, I got the interview and went down to see the job in person. Friends, the interview was perfect. I passed a little sports test they gave me and they enjoyed my resume tape.
I interviewed with four different people and the last one was the News Director. As I was leaving he says, “Hey Joe, on the way out of town, stop and get an apartment guide. You will need it. I will see you soon.” Wow! That sounded like the job was mine, all mine and I was so excited.
In my selfishness, I was going through a personal and private crisis. Long story but it was not good and I thought by going to Alabama, my problems that I created would stay in Nashville. My wife was six months pregnant and I would come down, get settled, come back for the birth of my daughter, go back to Alabama and after a few months, they would move down.
Boy, was I stupid. Sure, in a selfish ego driven mind, that is perfect. Me, me, me, me. I thanked God for this opportunity and was fired up to start a new chapter. Only one problem; the phone never rang. At the last moment, they gave the job to someone else. I didn’t hear from them in a week because they wanted to make a decision as soon as possible. I was absolutely crushed. Devastated was probably a better word.
I sat down with that letter of the interview in a chair and just looked towards the sky. It would have been a disaster for me to get that job, uproot my then wife and our daughter and move to a city where she knew no one. Taking our girl away from the grandparents and all of our family. I thought it was perfect; God that is was perfect if I stayed where I was and took care of my problems. An unanswered prayer put me on the path I am on today.
I still make mistakes but I know God is watching out for me. He was correct in not letting me have that job because I am so thankful for the broken road that led me to where I am today. If you are having consternation with a huge decision, just bow your head and ask Him for guidance. Oftentimes, that no is a massive yes.
I am forever grateful for that no because it saved me.