About 7 years ago, my family was in a very rough spot due to a car accident that turned our lives upside down. We were forced to go on welfare, my pregnant wife was forced to take a job bussing tables at a local restaurant, and we were the recipients of holiday food baskets, etc. It was a humbling time, but actually was a turning point in our lives. I think if it weren’t for that experience, we’d never have the faith we do today.
This year, due to some unexpected auto repairs, we’re in a similar situation. Our bills are paid, etc., but unfortunately, something as simple as Thanksgiving dinner would have been quite impossible to make fancy.
Last night, however, we had a heart-breakingly familiar Thanksgiving food basket delivered to our home. For the past 5 years or so, *we* are usually the family driving around delivering baskets, and this year, we received one. I wanted to refuse the gift — but it would have just been pride, because after all, we really didn’t have anything other than pantry staples for Thursday’s meal.
It occurs to me that when we are financially and socially secure, and when we aren’t (in our minds) needy of anything, we miss the boat when it comes to true thankfulness. While I don’t wish misfortune on anyone, I do wish everyone a humble, thankful holiday. It’s reminding my family who we are, who we aren’t, and who we want to be.
God bless.
Well said sweetie. It’s times like these that we are reminded of where we have been and who we have been made to be in Christ through all these trials. All we need is God. “Be still and know” He is God.
Hi Shawn,
My husband was laid off on 12/04/06 after 9 years with the same company. His two week severance check and our minimal savings (due to my college tuition last fall!) barely paid the bills this month. Needless to say we are terrified to face next month. We got approved for food stamps, but have no idea what to do about toilet paper, laundry soap, etc. And next months utilities… Needless to say reading your post helped me realize that other people face this situation all the time. You are now in a position to pay your bills… that in itself is inspiration to me. I would love any advice on how to cope. Thanks for your post.
Hello Shawn,
When my husband and I started our church ten years ago, we were at our lowest point financially. But I have the very best memories of those first few years. Sometimes there would be nothing at all in the house besides staples (flour, salt, etc.) and someone would leave a bag of groceries in our car or drop by with an “extra” loaf of cheese or a roast. Once, when my only good pot with a lid got scorched beyond repair, someone left a gift-wrapped, brand-new Paul Revere pot (and lid) on our door step. The thing is, I had told no one about the pot.
It was always so crystal clear during those lean years that our every breath, our every heartbeat, and our every morsel came directly from God. I cherish that experience.
Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday and leaving a comment. 🙂