Politics and the Economy

Every time I turn on the TV to or read any news website, I just can't get away from the political and economic happenings today in our country. I was raised with conservative values-very conservative if compared to most of the liberal media. And with the crisis we are in today as a country (and world) I am glad that my parents taught me to save and spend only what I have. I look at these kids on TV that they interview who get all the things on their "want list" even though they would identify these things as needs. These kids just expect to get what they ask for. They do not appreciate or take care of the extra stuff because if something happens to it, they know they will get another one. When I grew up, I knew the difference between a want and a need, and how to appreciate the wants when I got them. Don't get me wrong, I had many of my wants to (I mean I did get my Easy Bake Oven when I was 23!), but my parents taught me to know how much stuff costs and how to manage my money and my wants so that I did not get spoiled. I think that had I received all my wants I wouldn't value them and take care of them. I hope that when I have kids one day, I can help them understand what they need and what they want, and not enable them to "expect" everything to be handed to them.

I also appreciate the fact that my parents allowed me to think and make decisions based on researched facts in politics. I remember as a young child, dad and mom would vote every year and mom would freely tell who she voted for when asked. Dad, however, said, "Voting is a personal choice and you don't have to share your vote with anyone." Looking back this may be just a lesson he was trying to teach us (like the "you're old enough for your wants not to hurt you") or if he was just trying to hide the fact that he votes similar to his parents who are strong democrats. Either way-I learned that a person should take pride in the right and privilege to vote. I like the fact that my extended family, more times than not, has differing opinions and viewpoints than that which I typically follow. I enjoy hearing all their reasons and disagreements with the candidates even if we go and vote differently. They have taught me that my opinion is just as valid as theirs and even though we agree to disagree, we are still family.

In the end, I know that God is in control of this world along with its finances and politics. Whatever is to come, God will be there with us and for us. It seems weird that as I have gone through struggles and just the plain unknown in my life, it is hard for me to see God's hand beside me. But looking back, I can see where his hand touched my life in all my times of uncertainty and pain. Right now, I am praying that he will open up some positive job opportunities for me and that I will continue to trust his guidance and not take on the pathway where my life is heading all by myself.