Financial crisis…
Recession…
Shaky economy…
Downturn in the economy…
Staggering economy…
Struggling economy…
There are so many ways to describe this country’s financial state. I know, I’ve tried to come up with ways to write it myself at my job. Since I made the decision to be a part of The World Race, I’ve been asked “Why now?” Why would I leave when I have a full-time job with great benefits? And have I considered that if I go, I face the possibility of coming back with no job, and zero chance of ever returning to the newspaper industry? I’ve been asked by a couple of people “Why would you go if you’re not getting paid to do this? Why would you go if you have to ask everyone you know to help (in these tough economic times, in this shaky economy, during this recession, etc., etc.) Why now?” And how do I expect to raise such a big amount when nobody wants to give? When times are tough for everyone?
My answer: faith.
This is the first time in my life I think I have ever taken a step to truly trust God with everything. Part of this is trusting that He will take care of me not only now, but also when I’m away and yes, when I come home. So far, he’s proven faithful. As always. Things are falling into place as they should and each day I am reassured that I have taken the right step. The step He needed me to take.
Now, this isn’t to say that I don’t sometimes check my support account five times a day and wonder if anyone else will send something in that day. Because I do. My account has been sitting at the same amount for a while now, and it worries me that I’ll be stuck there for a long time. In all honesty, the past few days have been really discouraging. But then I’m later reminded, either by one of my teammates, a letter I receive in the mail or by friends here at home that it’s all in God’s hands. And I am reminded to trust that he will provide.
I was reading on CNN.com today a story that talked about a study that was recently conducted that found that experiences make us happier than possessions (BTW, the story used ‘tough economic times’ to describe our financial state). I couldn’t help but laugh a little at the story because I was thinking why would we need a study for that? Who wouldn’t know that experiences matter more than possessions? But then I look around my apartment at all the stuff I’ve accumulated over the years that I have bought in an attempt to make myself happy (yes, that also includes the super cute shoes I wore today that I got three, yes THREE compliments on) and think “Wow, this study was for me.”
The guy who conducted the study, Ryan Howell, an assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, said that investing in experiences usually meant involving other people which means people are bonding closer together. He’s right! I can think of some of the greatest times in my life and I can assure you they didn’t involve money or possessions. They involved people I love, laughter and a sense of bonding.
So although I knew before, I was just thinking today how glad I am to be investing everything I have in time, money and effort in this experience. Why? Because I’m not only investing in experiences that involve other people, but I’m investing in experiences that involve my God.
