. . . . the more I am convinced that we all might want to reconsider those "old-fashioned" values that guided our families a few generations ago. I know that might sound as if I'm being naive, or just an idealist, but I prefer to think of myself as an optimist! Times are difficult for just about everyone I know, and probably just about everyone you know, too. Including you . . . and me. And it is exhausting to be constantly worrying about money, and how we can pay this bill, or that bill, or buy something that our family needs. I'm so grateful right now that we both still have our jobs. But there is no security in that! So, I guess I need to remember that my security isn't in money, or a house, or a job, but it is in knowing that the God of the universe is still involved, is still the ultimate decider of our fate, and that He cares deeply for each one of us.
No matter who is "in charge" in Washington, from the president to all the other politicians, it is God who sets our leaders in place, and He has a plan for our nation, and for each of our individual lives. And from that truth we can take great comfort and be confident that, in the end, we will be alright. Maybe not "alright" the way WE want to be "alright," but we will not be forsaken or alone. And with that confidence, we can face anything that life throws in our path.
But . . . . how about some practical ideas for making the most of where we are right now? That's why I keep coming back to the idea of a "vintage life-style," that incorporates so many of the ideas from years past, when people struggled, and survived, and many of them actually found themselves thriving in an economic recession, or depression. We had lunch yesterday with a man who is 82, never graduated from high school, and has LOTS of money. Now, money has never been a big motivator for me. Of course, we all need money to pay the bills, feed the kids, and just generally survive. But I would much rather be poor and be doing what I love! But that's just me.
So, I began to ask him about his life. He told me about being in WWII as a trainer for combat pilots. Then he was a commercial pilot for a few years. Along the way, he was married and they raised four children. All of whom have everything that he never had as a young man. They are all well-educated and quite wealthy. And far away. But the thing that he said that really made an impact one me was this: "I always made money when times were bad." Inflation in the 70s, recession in the 80s . . . through it all, he found ways to meet the needs of people in his community, and it turned into a profitable endeavor. But the biggest thing that brought him prosperity was HARD WORK. Are we willing to work for our dreams and our goals?
Vintage Value #1: First you work, and THEN you play!
Have a wonderful Thursday, and think about your own vintage values!
Nina
Posted by: |