The Layoff

I guess now is as good a time as any to blog my latest thoughts. Chris got laid off on Monday so we've spent the week in shock and disbelief, along with trying to figure out WHAT, exactly, we're gonna do. We haven't had much opportunity in our lives so far to trust God since we've had no hardship to speak of. Crazy how greatful I am NOW that we've had 5 years of marriage, not to mention our growing-up years, that have been relatively struggle-free. Hindsight's 20/20.

One thing's for certain: it will be interesting to see how God provides. It always is. Faith is a funny thing, you know. It's one thing to say I believe that God will supply for all our needs during week one. I'm just not so sure how I'm gonna hold up as the months roll by, as they realistically might, with no job and no income to speak of.

I, of course, hope that God provides another, better, job for Chris- and FAST. But, that just might not happen. I ought to be ready for the posibility.

We can apply for unemployment but this will not cover all the bills. Funny how it has not always been easy to be thankful for our not excessive but always adequate budget. HA! That's hindsight again. I guess I will be even more creative and resourceful. But, let's be honest. I regularly buy things we don't "need" just because I want them. And, we can afford it so, heck! Weeeeell, not so now. And that's ok. Does put some perspective on things. The things we want are not necessarily the things we need and things we "need" are probably much more extravangant than most of the world's "needs."

I am very conservative. And so are my parents. When I was growing up they had some hard times and they never accepted government assistance. We went without health insurance and food stamps that would have been used to buy "necessesities." They looked at their situation as opportunity for God to provide for them. And He did, in miraculous ways. Of course, if you're not looking for the blessings, they might not seem that way. My mom recounted a story of just such a time that I hadn't remembered, for, as a child, I wouldn't have been impressed. We were going through a job-layoff time for my dad and we were driving around the off-ramp, my mom noticed the road was covered with onions! A semi had taken the corner too fast and spilled his load. Free onions! Only God knew that we needed those onions.

Another time, toilet paper showed up on our porch. That's one of those necessities you don't think about until you're out with no money to buy more.

On the other hand, I know people who believe that the assistance available from the state is God's provision. And perhaps it is. Should I staunchly refuse assistance when this is God's answer?

So, my beliefs, or those to which I've previously held, are called into question. Can I trust God as much as my parents and so witness miracles most people don't believe exist? Or are there things I'm not willing to do without when the budget won't pay for them? And, I don't mean to say that those who accept state help don't trust God. I just wonder if they are less likely to have tp dropped off annonomously on their porch or onion trucks mysteriously tipping over in the road. I mean, come on, how often does that happen? Perhaps, the miracles are in lower demand. :}

For now, our cupboards and fridge are full, thanks in part to my latest hobby- couponing! But, I tell ya, having no income sure makes me think.

Praying for a job. Gonna learn how to live on half our previous budget. Trying to stay sane.