My life is not my own. This is either the proof of being a Christian, or the bain of my personal entitlement. I got laid off this week, twice. At an age when folks my age are supposedly enjoying their golden years I’m filling out resume`s for minimum wage. “Can I help you?” the automatic approach line of life on the retail floor, is suddenly the real reason I’m on the planet.
My faith, my trust in an Almighty God to work all things together for the good comes down to the basic plan, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” The more cynical folks in my circle like to twist the Golden Rule to say ,”He who has the gold, makes the rules!” As much as having my income suddenly revoked tempts me to agree with them, I’ve seen too much provision to let a victim mentality preside over my perspective.
I’ve pulled on my own bootstraps most of my life, all the while looking over my shoulder for some help, some deliverance, it’s as if I need a Savior to help me manage my life. The notion that my Invisible Friend, which is name the other guys laid off at my job give to my God, would deign to help me pay my bills is almost too basic a concern to give supernatural status, but if He indeed cares for us what other arena is there when my finances are thrown to the lions?
I’m going to use some my time off to help a brother move into his first house after years of living on the street. Tomorrow our church needs help planting a community garden to feed the neighborhood so I’ll be wielding a shovel or a wheelbarrow. I could sell more copies of the new book of poems I recently published, in fact I ought to do that as part of God’s will for my life if I can shake the self serving chatter of my accuser. I always thought I was a true scout, but it looks like I forgot the motto “Be Prepared”.
When life hands you lemons it might be time to put ‘em all in one basket and set up a stand at the farmer’s market. But if you’re more inclined to make lemonade, as you turn a new leaf, maybe you could turn a few pages in my new book as well. I’d appreciate it, and a review on Amazon, meanwhile I’ll be busy turning a new phrase. Thank you for your support.
https://www.amazon.com/Head-Lines-Provocations-Devotional-Psalmistry/dp/1945976373
Thanks for sharing from your heart, Will. I’m sorry for all you’re dealing with. I won’t say I totally understand, but there are ~ and were times when my husband and I dealt with similar issues. And then his stroke and my cancer side-swiped us when we were way-to-young-to-deal-with-that-sort-of-thing. No doubt, God has you in His arms, my friend. You are His voice in the wilderness. Don’t forget that. He will provide. I know you know . . . Still, at times, the road is almost unbearable to travel. Only one word helps soften these blows. Jesus.