Unique character

This Friday I found myself jobless. I have been laid off from my construction job. The very thing that I had, at times, complained of stealing all my time is gone for a season. I fought the urge to despair. As often happens, my thoughts began to drift and question why I had lost my job, why I wasn't staying on, etc. But these questions were only bringing me hopelessness and sorrow. I need to hang onto hope and faith. The Lord gave me that job. He can give me another, as I diligently seek one out.
Rather than wallow in sorrow and seek out loads of comfort/junk food I went out and about. I ran a couple of errands. I read and finished a good book. Once again my unique character came forward. As much as I think it would be normal to fall into sorrow and grief and as much as I would expect myself to do so, I did not. After all, I am atypical. I respond differently. Once at home I applied for unemployment benefits. I also found myself talking to Brother Reynolds, one of the men I most admire from the Salina Stake. He asked how I was doing and complimented me on a few things. I never once had considered that I might have been an example in the stake, occasionally my family or the ward, but not to local leadership. He thanked me for my example and told me that he wants to be like me when he grows up (this is coming from a man who has sent his three kids on separate missions, two of whom are already home). So it is that I find more faith to press forward and continue shining a light. My unique character is to shine forth the light of God and glorify Him.