The American economy is struggling and so are many good people. It is difficult to watch people reap rewards for leading failing businesses while the middle class suffers and small businesses fail. It is easy to let the news headlines add salt to the wounds, but I suggest that we have better things to do right now.
For those people who continue to suffer but still make their payments on time, knowing that there are no stimulus package items available to ease your pain, I say “congratulations to you” for doing the right thing. If you have lost your job or are losing ground and fear that you are sliding into bankruptcy or worse, I believe that it is time for some serious changes.
It is not God’s will that we are struggling with this economic mess. It is our own fault. We as a nation became complacent in our debt driven desire for luxury. We overspent, under-planned, and neglected the warning signs. Now is the time to use our talents and resources to help each other to survive this period and to rebuild our communities. This is a time for prayer, learning, selfless giving, and loving kindness. Families need to reconcile petty differences and pull together; churches need to strengthen personal bonds and outreach efforts, and we all need to understand the importance of adjusting to a simpler, more earth friendly, and less selfish lifestyle. This will be a difficult period, but it can be wonderful and fulfilling if we work together in love.
The government is not going to magically “Fix” everything but hopefully there will be some resources available to help with the real struggles of the middle class. At LifeSuccess.com, we will help in any way possible to find and distribute helpful information to those in need. Just ask. We suggest that you begin to understand your real options and reach out to help others as you seek to help yourselves.
Blessings to you,
Lee
I took a five mile walk yesterday afternoon hoping to gain some wisdom and guidance after my earnest request to God. Afterward, I figured that either I missed the signs or it just wasn’t time for me to get what I wanted so I’ll continue today and recommit myself to following whatever guidance that I receive. I did take a digital recorder with me so I could review my thoughts and observations along the way and maybe there was something that I just didn’t understand at the moment. Anyway, God is not my servant and I can’t expect to get answers to my struggles at the moment that I want them. Interestingly, I saw part of the movie “Evan Almighty” last night and a few lines caught my attention. “God” was speaking to Evan’s wife in the cafeteria. He suggested that God didn’t answer prayers as we might expect. For example, if we pray for patience, does God simply grant us patience or does he give us the opportunity to be patient? If we pray for courage, do we get courage or the opportunity to be courageous? Opportunities to love and contribute to this world happen all the time. Do we take them? Sometimes great little messages come from the strangest places. Today, I’ll do my work, pay attention, look for signs, and hope for clarity.
On Sunday, Greg Lee taught us about God’s plan for us and that we need to decide to follow his plan before we understand it. Hmmmmm - we need to make a commitment before we know what the plan is? This isn’t easy. Normally, we ask God to show us his plan so we can analyze it and decide whether or not to follow based on whether or not it seems to fit with our vision. Sounds a little self-centered doesn’t it? Yes - it is!
I made a decision today. It was very difficult.
I decided that I need to “Go all in” with all my chips and trust that God will make my path obvious. This isn’t an easy task. This is a difficult financial time for us. I need to be willing to hear that I need to find different work or that we can’t keep the sailboat (our source of peace, recreation, and refuge for 4 months of the year). There may be some totally unexpected plans for me.
I went ahead anyway and decided to go with God’s plan. I asked God earnestly to show me the path and that I was already committed to following whatever he says. I only asked that he make it clear that it was His path and not mine or satan’s. I also asked for help explaining this to my wife Krissy. I will continue on with my work today and be open to His guidance. I’ll be sure to let you know what changes in my life.
See “All-In” 3/15/09 at Suncrest
Lee
When you have an opportunity to praise someone for a job well done, do it in a big way. If you have the need to reprimand someone for missing the mark, do it in private. Everyone enjoys the recognition of a job well done and when it happens, it’s a good thing for others to be involved. Setting a good example will prompt others to be more mindful of their own performance. If criticism or reprimands are in order, take the person aside and do it privately. There is nothing to be gained by embarrassing or humiliating another person. This activity leads to “management by fear” and is never as productive as management by respect.
Most people enjoy some variety in life. Fun surprises and unexpected good news are usually welcome distractions in otherwise routine days. Of course, when surprises become the norm, then it’s the calm that is the welcome distraction, but I’m talking about something completely different today.
When it comes to my faith, my attitude, and my treatment of other people, I want to be completely consistent. I want people to know that I will do the right thing in all situations and that I will treat everyone I meet with the same respect, compassion, and patience. This is a big challenge.
On Sunday morning, many of us behave a little differently in church than we do when we encounter a hurried driver on the expressway or a person who had a bad day and doesn’t like us before we ever say hello. There are a few people in my life who display a consistent positive, caring attitude in just about every situation. For me, this is not boring, but rather it is most comforting. My wife is one of those people and I’m fortunate to have her as a mentor in this regard. I will continue to improve my consistency and become a person who others can count on during tough times. It’s okay if you call me boring- just know that you can count on me.
This is a challenging time for most people. For me, it is a time of uncertainty and hope. Each day, our businesses have new challenges (opportunities) and we do our best to make good decisions. Ultimately, we either let go of our fears or they become killers of our hopes and dreams.
Today, I am going to release those things that are beyond my control and do all the things that I know I should do to move things forward. With God’s grace and guidance, I’m confident that things will work out okay.
