This past Sunday I watched a televised focus on those who are running out of unemployment after 99 weeks, which is the maximum that one can receive. It was heartrending in so many ways...but I also saw the inherent message inside the pain.
I thank God that my husband and I havent been directly impacted by job losses etc, but we have been impacted indirectly because it has touched our children and loved ones.
However, as sad and as discouraging as it is and has been, there is so much to be learned. There is the lesson that most of us can live on less than we ever knew. Many times it is about prioritizing. The Man and I actually have game plans for if the bottom falls out. We have literally sat down and discussed how we we would handle it and what we would let go of if one or both of us lost our jobs. Yes, we have, without either of us having lost them. Because we know that nothing is promised to us and that on any given day, in any given life the bottom could fall out.
Truth is, if you get up in the morning, and you are alive, then the battle is not over...if you switch the light switch in a house, any house and the lights come on...count it all joy...if there is a loaf of bread and a bottle of water...well you feel me...
It is so easy to get caught up in what you don't have, but the reality is to focus on and thank God for what you do have. Sometimes things happen as a way of correcting us, making us look up and show gratitude and appreciation for that which we have been blessed with. And if it isnt happening to us, it should make us grateful and work ever harder to maintain what we are Blessed with. There were so many times in years past when I was ready to grab my handbag and call it quits on my job. But every time before I did that I would think of all those people who would love to be in my position and I stayed to work another day. And you know what, my change in attitude made things look better.
I am in no way telling anybody, that it feels good to be unemployed, or to have to ask for help. Because it isnt. What I am saying is that some times God will right size our lives, allowing us to feel the pain of not having, so that when he blesses us next time, we will be more appreciative...
BE PEACE...
angelia
11 comments:
Thank you Angelia for sharing!!! Me and hubby are blessed with jobs but because of the economy, we're having to prioritize. It upset me at first to let go of those things but had to realize those are just things and not really important in the scheme of it. When it gets tough we sometimes neglect to call on Him and thank Him for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us. I am thankful God has given me a house, food to eat, gas in my car to get to work.......
Thanks Sista Sharon,
God will make us look up and give thanks...
Be Blessed!
angelia
Boy.. in the last two years I have had to downsize, eliminate, move around, and take in relatives. Through it all, I have managed to keep a smile and see the Blessings. It's still a struggle but I am Thankful for it all.
Great Post Momma Deep !!!
See Cilla'.
thats what's up...smooches!
When I was laid off 4 years ago for 10 months, it was an eye-opener. I freaked. I had to cash in my 401K. I could only get 26 weeks of unemp, that goes fast.
One day I said I want my job back and a month later I got it back. SMH. I was over-reacting thinking I would be poor and homeless. I had savings I had to touch for a minute before I had to use the 401K.
When I got back to work, I had a nice chunk of money that I did not touch. SMH. I then thought, Hey I had a 10 month vacation. I was able to travel and buy somethings I put off.(not saying being unemployed is a vacation) It showed me I needed to let go and trust things would be fine. And I learned to go back to what I learned long ago, to live on much less.
I've learned that I don't need to be on a trip or in a store to be happy, I just need to "be". And when I can mean it and not just say it because it sounds like the right thing to say, it is truly all good
Niambi,
I said it until I believed and meant it.
Shai,
that is the right spirit!
This is a tough one having been out of work for about 19 months. We wont count that week that almost took me out..LOL But Im feeling all the comments.
Linda,
we need all voices to weigh in...that is what many of the people were saying on Black In America/Debt.
Smooches!
angelia
The unemployment crisis has not touched me directly, but my love ones are going through the umemployment thing.
It is very hard to listen to their struggles but I give thanks every day that the Lord has blessed me so that whenever they need help I am there.
I am also in a transition right now and the things that I have given up in the last two years is amazing. The "stuff" that I thought I could not live without... right now for me lest is more and I am very thankful.
Angelia:
I sneak in and read your blogs early in the morning before I go to work. You always say something that causes me to start off my day right. This one is no different (even though I am a day late!) Thanks for sharing as always!
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