This is a tough question in the mix of our daily lives. Especially for women who often sacrifice for husbands, children, extended family and friends. Who really owns our time, resources and our very being?
Our world has slowly developed a victim mentality. Entitlement to certain economic blessings has become the chant not only of the youth, but of adults. Is it true the world "owes" us something? Is it true each person will have material blessings? Is it true we are a victim of circumstance? If this is true, why are there exceptions? You know the stories of those who break out of poverty after hard work and perseverance. Or those who decline from "greatness" to bottom out and never really get back up. There must be more to it than "fate".
I believe we make choices. Daily choices. We often forget to take responsibility for our decisions. We are NOT accountable for other's, and we don't "deserve" many of the things that happen to us. But, we are accountable for our decisions and responses to others. Continually allowing another to bring harm to us is a decision we make. Sometimes it is difficult to break out from a declining situation. We fear the unknown. Reach deep inside yourself (we all have it inside) and seek a hand up rather than a hand out. It's out there.
For instance, many have been laid off from a company after years of employment. It isn't fair. But, it is now a choice what to do with their new found unemployment. Many have chosen to take a position at a lesser income while others choose to wait out the economy collecting unemployment. Neither decision is the right choice for everyone, but each must decide for himself. The problem arises when either person becomes bitter and begins griping about their situation. "It is unfair. I did a good job. Others who work less were kept on. I was laid off because of my salary range. They wanted someone cheaper. If.....only." Even if these things are true, the situation remains.
Self defeating words become the norm for the person who feels entitled, thus creating a cycle of defeat. For me, it became necessary after a reduction in hours to seek employment after a long stint of successful contribution. I struggled with the decision for months. As God prompted my heart daily, I came to accept my gig was over at this organization. This was a difficult decision for me. I enjoyed working for a great boss and within three miles of my home. However, leaving was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
After working a fun job with a local attraction during the holiday season, I began writing grants free lance and then found a lesser paying position at a much larger organization working in a similar field. The opportunities in this organization are far reaching and offer me growth opportunities not available previously. I'm in a position where the team is respected over the individual which is very much my heart. And....the benefits include free Jazzercise classes and they will pay me $5 for every pound I lose this year!!!! My health is important to this company. Wow!
Had I remained angry or disappointed in my loss, I never would have stepped into this role. If I was stuck on my "value" and felt I should be paid the salary previously received, I would never have chosen this position when offered. (As a clarification: I am valuable. My salary doesn't define my value. It is nice to be appreciated financially, but I am motivated by ministry.) Many of you have similar stories or your parents have similar stories. Are you stuck in the loss? If so, only you (with God's help) can break through to the other side.
Many success stories are arising from the most recent economic downturn. Small businesses are starting up and people are finding ways to live on less. Survivors are starting over! It will be exciting to see where we find ourselves a few years from now. I'm anticipating great things.
Lesson for today: God has a plan for your life. His plan is for good and not for evil. He will lift you up. Give yourself some time to grieve your loss. Don't forget grief is a season and not a lifetime. If you can't get past it, seek counseling (yes, there are free options). Choose to live and choose to own the life God gave you.
If you don't have a relationship with Christ yet, it will be important you own your life if you decide to give it to Him. We can't give something away if it doesn't belong to us in the first place. If you are interested in learning more visit (click on link) John 3 and read what the bible says about knowing Jesus or post a comment below. I'll get more information to you.
Our world has slowly developed a victim mentality. Entitlement to certain economic blessings has become the chant not only of the youth, but of adults. Is it true the world "owes" us something? Is it true each person will have material blessings? Is it true we are a victim of circumstance? If this is true, why are there exceptions? You know the stories of those who break out of poverty after hard work and perseverance. Or those who decline from "greatness" to bottom out and never really get back up. There must be more to it than "fate".
I believe we make choices. Daily choices. We often forget to take responsibility for our decisions. We are NOT accountable for other's, and we don't "deserve" many of the things that happen to us. But, we are accountable for our decisions and responses to others. Continually allowing another to bring harm to us is a decision we make. Sometimes it is difficult to break out from a declining situation. We fear the unknown. Reach deep inside yourself (we all have it inside) and seek a hand up rather than a hand out. It's out there.
For instance, many have been laid off from a company after years of employment. It isn't fair. But, it is now a choice what to do with their new found unemployment. Many have chosen to take a position at a lesser income while others choose to wait out the economy collecting unemployment. Neither decision is the right choice for everyone, but each must decide for himself. The problem arises when either person becomes bitter and begins griping about their situation. "It is unfair. I did a good job. Others who work less were kept on. I was laid off because of my salary range. They wanted someone cheaper. If.....only." Even if these things are true, the situation remains.
Self defeating words become the norm for the person who feels entitled, thus creating a cycle of defeat. For me, it became necessary after a reduction in hours to seek employment after a long stint of successful contribution. I struggled with the decision for months. As God prompted my heart daily, I came to accept my gig was over at this organization. This was a difficult decision for me. I enjoyed working for a great boss and within three miles of my home. However, leaving was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
After working a fun job with a local attraction during the holiday season, I began writing grants free lance and then found a lesser paying position at a much larger organization working in a similar field. The opportunities in this organization are far reaching and offer me growth opportunities not available previously. I'm in a position where the team is respected over the individual which is very much my heart. And....the benefits include free Jazzercise classes and they will pay me $5 for every pound I lose this year!!!! My health is important to this company. Wow!
Had I remained angry or disappointed in my loss, I never would have stepped into this role. If I was stuck on my "value" and felt I should be paid the salary previously received, I would never have chosen this position when offered. (As a clarification: I am valuable. My salary doesn't define my value. It is nice to be appreciated financially, but I am motivated by ministry.) Many of you have similar stories or your parents have similar stories. Are you stuck in the loss? If so, only you (with God's help) can break through to the other side.
Many success stories are arising from the most recent economic downturn. Small businesses are starting up and people are finding ways to live on less. Survivors are starting over! It will be exciting to see where we find ourselves a few years from now. I'm anticipating great things.
Lesson for today: God has a plan for your life. His plan is for good and not for evil. He will lift you up. Give yourself some time to grieve your loss. Don't forget grief is a season and not a lifetime. If you can't get past it, seek counseling (yes, there are free options). Choose to live and choose to own the life God gave you.
If you don't have a relationship with Christ yet, it will be important you own your life if you decide to give it to Him. We can't give something away if it doesn't belong to us in the first place. If you are interested in learning more visit (click on link) John 3 and read what the bible says about knowing Jesus or post a comment below. I'll get more information to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment