Yesterday afternoon, after sleeping Thursday, Thursday night, friday, friday night, and saturday morning, I forced myself to get dressed and attend an informal gathering celebrating my nephew and niece's wedding and new home. I wanted to post on facebook about what a nice young (20 or so) couple they are but was sure that some other people would take it as a put down to them. It all has to do with the choices we make. The young man joined the National Guard (and served overseas), they got married young, got pregnant, and purchased a starter home. They have a reliable vehicle. They both work full time. Maybe those weren't the best choices.......some would say furthering your education would have been a better choice for one or both. They seem to be on the right path. I pray it continues.
When I look at another young couple (10 years older) I think the first couple has made decent choices. The 2nd couple has 3 children, the father does not have a full time job, diploma, or drivers license, they don't have insurance, mom works several nights a week, they have had struggles all through their 5 year marriage. Mom and the boys are living with her parents (and have lived there on and off several times). They have always rented apartments/houses and purchased items from a rent to own place. They have nothing.....material possessions are not the end all, but at their ages one would think they'd have something. They chose a different lifestyle and I think it makes all the difference. As an adult who has 'been there' we try to give advice based on what we have learned.....but to the younger generation it's just words. It makes me so sad to see this 2nd couple struggle and to see the children hurting so much. I can't fix it, I can only pray for healing, guidance, and knowledge.
The Bible does not say "the Lord helps those who help themselves".....but I do. I believe we must look at our choices, think them through, and do something to make our lives better. Where do you want to be 10 years from now? If money is a problem we need to spend less than we make. I also think we are who we hang out with......(I need to find friends with an income of over $180,000/year - applications are being accepted now). If you want to change something and need help, ask for it, find a support group. I know it is easy for me to tell you what to do......my life hasn't been filled with many difficult choices, addictions, or hard times. (Well, some, but I overcame those). For the most part I have always walked the straight and narrow. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to see into the future so we'd know what path to take???
I will step down from my soapbox now and let you on....if you want.
When I look at another young couple (10 years older) I think the first couple has made decent choices. The 2nd couple has 3 children, the father does not have a full time job, diploma, or drivers license, they don't have insurance, mom works several nights a week, they have had struggles all through their 5 year marriage. Mom and the boys are living with her parents (and have lived there on and off several times). They have always rented apartments/houses and purchased items from a rent to own place. They have nothing.....material possessions are not the end all, but at their ages one would think they'd have something. They chose a different lifestyle and I think it makes all the difference. As an adult who has 'been there' we try to give advice based on what we have learned.....but to the younger generation it's just words. It makes me so sad to see this 2nd couple struggle and to see the children hurting so much. I can't fix it, I can only pray for healing, guidance, and knowledge.
The Bible does not say "the Lord helps those who help themselves".....but I do. I believe we must look at our choices, think them through, and do something to make our lives better. Where do you want to be 10 years from now? If money is a problem we need to spend less than we make. I also think we are who we hang out with......(I need to find friends with an income of over $180,000/year - applications are being accepted now). If you want to change something and need help, ask for it, find a support group. I know it is easy for me to tell you what to do......my life hasn't been filled with many difficult choices, addictions, or hard times. (Well, some, but I overcame those). For the most part I have always walked the straight and narrow. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to see into the future so we'd know what path to take???
I will step down from my soapbox now and let you on....if you want.
I am a firm believer in-the Lord helps those who help themselves. I think there are far too many people today who wait for "the magic" to happen for them. The magic is in the work it takes to get it.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see the choices that some people make and the ripple effect it causes in so many lives besides theirs.
God bless ya, kiddo. You are gonna be just fine! xo Diana
Choices so make all the difference, don't they. I enjoyed your soap box, and agree totally.
ReplyDeleteI love your soap boxes! You are so "right on" with your views. It is so sad that so many think the world owes them everything and they don't have to work for it.
ReplyDelete