Roseville: The Employee

Roseville
"The Employee"

It was a brisk, cold February afternoon. JB was hunting for a good job so she could earn some extra money. She had high hopes to buy a new stereo. However, the stereo of JB's choice would cost her 500 dollars. An amount that was about 490 dollars above her budget. JB searched and searched for a job, but an opening was not to be found.
She met up with Olivia at Roseville's finest ice cream parlor. JB was in despair. "Don't worry, you'll find something soon enough," said Olivia in her usual sweet tone. JB looked at Olivia straight in the face and exclaimed, "I have been searching for the past two weeks! No one wants to hire me!". As JB finished her ranting, Rachel came storming in the ice cream parlor. "JB! I was hoping you were here!" Rachel said with much excitement. "Roy's Music 'N More is hiring!" JB was ecstatic. Roy's Music 'N More was Roseville's primary music/movie/video game store, a popular place for teens. Also, this happened to be where Rachel worked, so JB would have someone she knew working with her. "What positions are available?" asked JB. Rachel replied, "The music department." JB was in luck. Music was her specialty. However, Roy's Music had every type of music invented, where JB knew only Christian music. But that wasn't going to stop JB. She needed this job. She really wanted to earn her stereo.
In the next week, JB applied for the position and was accepted. She was to work in the music department to sell CDs. Because of Roy's eclectic music selection, JB needed to research many styles of music and the performers. She wanted to make sure she did her job right. As JB learned more about the music she would be selling, she was disappointed in the quality of the message of the songs. By the time she started to work, however, JB knew enough about both secular and Christian music to find positive comparisons. She figured out how to help customers find music that was similar to what was popular, but had a uplifting impact.
Rachel was happy for her friend and was there to help whenever needed. While JB worked in the music section, Rachel was employed in the movie department. She had worked at Roy's for nearly a year and knew the ropes. During JB's first few weeks, Rachel was there mentoring her. With every day that passed, JB got better and better at her job. She enjoyed her work.
JB was doing so well that she was offered a higher position among the department. JB was thrilled. However, Rachel did not get a promotion. When she learned JB's news, she was upset. "I have been working there longer than a year. I have paid my dues," said a frusterated Rachel. "I am the one that deserves the position." Olivia, who was comforting Rachel, replied, "It's ok". Rachel was slightly annoyed with Olivia's response. "What do you mean, 'It's ok'? It isn't fair!" exclaimed Rachel. Olivia calmly answered, "God has a plan for JB, and maybe her job is for the better. Maybe with JB being a higher authority, she will influence those she serves".
The following day, Rachel contemplated Olivia's words as she left for Roy's. She still felt envy as she walked into the store. Rachel was getting ready to start her shift, but noticed JB helping a teenage girl on the search for good music. Rachel was close enough to hear JB's sales pitch. "What do you know of the band, Loud Slumber?" asked the teen. JB replied, "I've heard the band and all I can say is that they are a violent band full of negativity. They have a good sound, but I don't think it is worth listening the hopeless stories the band sings about." The girl looked perplexed. "But this is what's popular. All of my friends listen to this band!". JB could see where she was coming from. "I understand you, however, I know some bands who have a hopeful meaning to their songs," said JB. The girl appeared intrigued. "Could you show me some CDs of these bands?" asked the young customer. JB was happy to ablige. JB handed the teenager some the latest albums that had a similar sound to Loud Slumber, but had positive lyrics. The girl listened to a demo, then bought the CDs. "Wow!" she said. "I've never heard anything like this. The stuff I listened to before was violent, but this is hopeful and inspiring!".
JB was smiling as the girl left the store. Rachel, who had been watching the entire scene, was touched. This is why JB deserved the job. JB not only has a knack for selling music, but has the ability to lead kids to healthy music. After realizing her error, Rachel prayed a prayer of repentance. She had truly learned about how God places everyone in the right place at the right time according to his will. Rachel was also sorry for being jealous of her best friend. After she finished praying, Rachel realized that she was supposed to be working, so she set off to do so. But she will always remember this story.