economics

[l_to_the_e]

I can really only say one thing... God answers prayers.

I am so thankful not only that I have a job when 1 out of 8 people in CA do not, but that my job is in a relatively stable sector. I am so thankful that I got this promotion and that I am currently earning 150% of what I was a year ago. I am so thankful that even after benefits and taxes, I still bring home enough to take care of my family of (soon to be) four. I am so thankful that Casey will be able to go back to school with financial aid, so he can improve his chances of getting a job in the near future while not costing us any additional funds. I am so thankful that he will be able to stay home and watch our children when I go back to work only 6 blocks away. I am so thankful for the great duplex we found with phenomenal rent and low utility bills. I am so thankful that we are close enough to everything that we almost never need to drive anywhere. I am so thankful for the skills my parents taught me that have enabled me to keep my expenses low by doing things for myself. I am so thankful for a car that runs, hauls gear, and fits all 4 of us reliably.

The economy sucks, and it will be a long, hard road to get out of the mud this time around. Don't expect a war to get us out either (WWII didn't really, as we were still mired in a depression through most of it... the economy bounced back when soldiers came home to make babies and use GI Bill funds). A lot of things need to get fixed before the unemployment rate goes back down and people are really able to live on what they earn rather than government subsidies and benefits. Not knocking public aid, just saying that the government can't solve everything or help everyone.

I get scared, and I worry a lot about what the future will hold. But God hasn't let us go yet. Every time we've been close to losing, we've been pulled out. We are still not homeless! We are still not hungry! We are still not naked! We still have lights and running water! After all that has happened to us in the last few years, I am amazed we are still standing. We are truly blessed to be in such a place in such a time as this. Many are better off; but many more still are worse. We are blessed in order to be a blessing, and I am thankful that God continues to take care of us even when we forget to thank him for it.

This doesn't really have anything to do with Thanksgiving coming up (I just looked at my calendar and realized it is). This has more to do with reading the news and the economic forecasts. I know things aren't going to get better for a while... but we will still be okay because God is taking care of us.

[katieGrace]

Nov. 20, 2009 at 8:28 PM

amen!