Sunday, November 15, 2009

Assurance

Friday while having a phone conversation with my regional manager, he said that one of our salesmen in California, David, turned in his resignation. This news was a real shocker because David and I keep in touch on a fairly regular basis. We just spoke a couple of weeks ago and he didn't mention anything about leaving or even being unhappy.


(Depoe Bay)
Five years ago I had the privilege of mentoring him when he started with the company. Since then we've had a good friendship that's evolved over the phone and through email. Most discussions center on business but we usually talk about our faith in God.

After hanging up with my regional manager I was hit with a feeling of loss. I wondered how this would effect our friendship. Was I going to lose a friend?  David would probably be going to work for a competitor and that might change things a little. After pondering the situation for about ten minutes I decided to call him. After one ring it went right to voice mail. I left a message wishing him well and saying that whatever his reason for leaving, I'm sure it's the right decision for providing for his family. I said how much I appreciated our time working together and that if I don't get to see him again in this life, I know I'll see him in the next one.

That last statement might sound arrogant but it's not meant to be. It's stated with the utmost humility because it's not rooted in anything that I've done. There aren't too many things in this world that give us assurance. Life is getting more complex and with more uncertainty each year. We all know this and we all have doubts and struggles. But if you believe in God and have read or heard anything from the Bible then you know there is one sure thing that we can count on, and that's the fact that God keeps His promises. The assurance of going to heaven is not based on anything we do but on what a loving God has done for us through His Son. Realizing this truth and accepting it gives great comfort and confidence.


(Depoe Bay)
What does all of this have to do with riding? Having assurance of eternal security gives life a new perspective. The risks involved with riding are still there but once the issue of our eternal future is secure, there is far less to lose.

David called back and we had a good talk about things. He's going to work for the competition and a previous manager we use to have. We agreed to keep in touch similar to the way we have but with less talk about business.


(Nehalem - Nehalem Bay)
As a side note, I went to the jail Friday afternoon. The inmate I mentioned about a month ago who was defending himself had his trial. I happened to see him and he told me with a big smile that he won. He was found innocent on all counts. He was released later that afternoon. I can't imagine the burden lifted off of his shoulders. Defending yourself and being found innocent is extremely rare. He's a blessed man and I wish him well.

I've used some images taken Thursday and Friday while working at the coast. I can't help but be amazed at the beauty of our world. Think about its vastness whether viewed from a microscope or a telescope. Hope you got to view it this weekend over your handlebars.

11 comments:

  1. Mike:

    I recognized that shot of Depot Bay when we were down there last June. We travelled south to Yachats and had lunch at one of those restaurants down there (yellow building) with a view of the bay. Then through the tunnel at Heceta Head to look at the sea lions on the rocks below.

    bob
    bobskoot: wet coast scootin

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  2. Bob:
    Being the photo buff that you are I'll bet you have some nice shots of Depoe Bay and probably the lighthouse at Heceta Head. I double dare you to do a post on that trip sometime!

    Dan:
    I think he might be taking on a neighboring territory instead of the one he's had. From what I understand though, the "non compete" sometimes is hard to enforce if it goes to court because a salesman's income would be cut off. It's a complicated issue that hopefully I won't be testing. :-)

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  3. Mike:

    check out the following:

    http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/2009/06/seal-rock-pullout-oregon-coast.html

    http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/2009/06/r-on-oregon-coast.html

    of course I take dozens of photos and only a few get posted

    bob
    bobskoot: wet coast scootin

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  4. Bob,
    I didn't get to these sites until just now - left early this morning for Eugene. Wow, nice pictures and posts. I really like the encounters with people off the beaten path and you had that complete with pictures of the seals and the lighthouse. Glad you enjoyed Oregon and the coast.

    By the way, happy belated 40th anniversary. You're a little ahead of us. And I also have a G10, it's my main shooter and I really like it.

    Thank you and take care,
    Mike

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  5. Mike:

    you've got good taste too, when it comes to cameeras. There are a few of us with G10's. (Sharon, GAW, Brent Miller, Chuck & you) I was waiting for the G11 but there are mixed reviews on the Canon forum, they say the s90 is a better deal, same processor and smaller. I really wanted the articulating screen but the SX20is doesn't have the plug for remote control.

    Link to the canon forum:
    http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

    I wasn't sure if you had been there before.

    bob
    bobskoot: wet coast scootin

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  6. Bob,
    Thanks for the link to the forum. I also have a 30D. You'd think I'd have found the Canon forum by now but I haven't had a need for it. I'll keep checking it out.

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  7. I bought a G11 yesterday. I picked it on the experience of some other folks I know who have had several models of that "G" series. I'll have to let you know how it turns out when I start using it.

    The plan was to have something to carry on the bike that would allow me to control some settings and take good photos. Sometimes I don't have room for the Nikon and the lenses.

    Thanks for the link to the Canon forum, Bobskoot!

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  8. Mike:

    That's the reason I have the G10, I wanted something smaller for carrying on the bike, but sometimes I still bring my D80. I also do video so I also upgraded my Videocam yesterday. Yep, riding and photography, they go together

    For Irondad, I also frequent other forums. Try this one, I think you can learn a lot by reading

    http://www.openphotographyforums.com/forums/index.php

    because of the nature of some of the "artistic" photos you have to register with your real name

    bob
    bobskoot: wet coast scootin

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  9. Dan,
    Good choice with the G11. That's why I got my G10, it's way easier to carry all the time and you get most all the features the DSLR's have. I haven't used my 30D in months although I plan to use it Saturday. Our oldest granddaughter is in a cheerleading/dance competition. I'll need the longer lens.

    I finally broke down and got a compact tripod so there won't be any excuse next time we meet not to have pictures of us.


    Bob,
    Thanks for the forum link. Riding and photography do compliment each other.

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