Everywhere you turn these days is talk of economic meltdown and disaster. TV, radio, newspapers and internet headlines are so gloomy it makes me want to pull the covers over my head so I could go back to enjoying Oprah without hearing Suze Orman's voice saying,
"Oh. Dear ones. My babies. This. is. the. worst. ever."
While I nibble on some chocolate (or should I hoard it??) I ponder some of the things I've seen and experienced first hand. As small business owners, we have had cycles of feast and famine almost our whole married life. And it goes without saying that feasting is waaaay more fun that scrimping on necessities. I freely admit that I have hated every minute of pinching pennies, which added up over a quarter century of marriage, comes out to be YEARS of being tight. I only wish "tight" applied to my thighs the way it applies to my checkbook.
We've cinched our belt so much, it's wrapped around us twice. The one good thing I can say about our current situation, in light of the economic climate, is that we won't have to change our lifestyle much to be able to make it. We gave up credit cards over 5 years ago in a desperate bid to survive, and as horrible as it has been at times to not afford things we need (with a 30-day noose period), the bitter lesson of digging our way out of debt keeps us on the straight and narrow.
And we ARE feeling more pinched. Our market is very slow right now, so there is more going out than coming in. We are owed a significant amount of money from a past project, which has really hurt us. The purchase of a large turkey, and groceries for a houseful of guests is a doable stretch. The fact that we have only one working shower right now, (and it's through the guest room) makes me cringe. Our 12 year old vehicle needs a new transmission.
And yet.
I was reminded of Habakkuk 3:17-19 when I "happened" upon it, yea, even three times in a row.
I know what it feels like to be clunked over the head with the Good Book. It hurts even more than a bad book would, trust me.
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
I've realized that being stripped of the easy life has laid me bare to my need of a Savior. There is no buffer of material comfort between me and the Almighty. I cannot run to Starbucks for a quick fix for my soul. I cannot spend my way out of the doldrums or buy happiness at a Day Spa. Quite simply, I must turn to the One.... the One who is Enough.
Enough for today. Enough for tomorrow. Enough for my needs.
And though I long for the swell feeling of picking up the tab for a large group in a restaurant, I'm learning to be a gracious receiver when I have little to give. I'm learning that being generous is much bigger than simply opening my pocketbook. I can be generous with my time, with a listening ear, with a helpful hand. I can rejoice in the Lord, rather then wring my hands every time Secretary Paulson has a press conference. I can choose to love my children, turn cartwheels and be silly with them in spite of dire news. I can breathe the Fall air and savor the sunshine and build a joyful foundation for my family.
See, I can't fix the Treasury Department, but I can fix my eyes on The Treasure: the One who provides, sustains and delivers. Remember, He is mighty to save.
Today's Small Thing is to recount the ways in which God is enough for you. This year's Thanksgiving may be a humble meal without a lot of "extra's," for many, but I want to be like Habakkuk and remember that God is my strength. I want to run surefooted on the heights and to rejoice in God, my Salvation. There are good things ahead for us, because we can trust Him. I believe that with all my heart.
POINTS: 40 for meditating on what it means for God to be "Enough."
How has He been enough for you? Encourage us with your story.
