To God be the Glory! It is 2009 and we in America are so blessed! Even with the economic upheaval we're experiencing.... we live in the most desired place on earth. Why is that? Why do so many people from every point on the earth, choose to immigrate to our country, the United States of America?
As the new year begins, it seems natural to pause, ponder & reflect on questions such as these. If you listened to the news or watched TV media, you might think the end of the world is at hand, and everyone is going to be homeless & jobless by the end of the year. I suggest that perhaps we're having a realignment; a readjustment in our economy that had previously ballooned itself out of our sphere! Can you remember hearing just a few years ago about the housing balloon? Everyone was talking about the "bubble"... could it be that that bubble finally reached it's limits and burst? We had to know this day would come. Unfortunately, so many people were caught up in acting on bad financial advice and are suffering severely.
As parents, do you ever find yourselves watching the kids' actions and thinking "this is so out of control". In doing so, you revive yourself out of some sort of robotic motions that always seems to take over in our day to day activities and realize that it is time to get back to the basics of the discipline pattern you chose to follow. Slowly, but surely, you as the parent let the boundaries slip and grow in directions you never intended. The reins that fell slack have to be pulled in and the strong hand holding them has to take control again.
I compare this parenting scenario to our economic one. Things got out of hand and they need to come back to center. These times are never easy, and can be downright painful for many. I pray for my country and fellowman. I pray for our president and president-elect that they will have wisdom and lead our country through these difficulties so that we will be able to some day breathe a big sigh of relief, knowing we made it. We got to the other side, though somewhat dusty & fatigued, but we find ourselves still safe and in one piece. I look forward to that day!
For now, it's time to get back to the basics, like it was for our parents after the depression and World War II. It's time to pinch pennies, clip coupons and turn off the lights when you leave a room! Do you hate to think of that as much as I do? I enjoyed the good times, the more extravagant times as did everyone else. It was so comfortable.
My children grew up in those times, especially the later years. Trimming back at our new level is new to them, but they understand after we explain to them. They follow the news pretty well and we have many discussions with them about the economy and how it affects our family. A quote that we've heard and talked about in church is from Benjamin Franklin. It is part of his Thirteen Virtues: "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." I think we're going to be following closely this virtue and probably the other twelve as well.
I thank God that He is control, that He will protect us and wants to see us be healthy, wealthy and wise. By reading His word daily and focusing on Him, helps me keep the right perspective each day. His words are truth, my friends. Depend and lean on them. Don't consume yourself with what the world says; it will make you anxious and scared. Be wise and listen to what He is telling you through His word and that small, quiet voice. Just listen.... you'll hear it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 11 (NIV)
