The market correction for the over indulgence of our country is finally catching-up with us and it’s going to smack a good bit for a while. We have been living on borrowed time with a false sense of prosperity for too long. Time to pay the piper and it is going to cost us big time.
No doubt things look grim. Our banking system is in virtual free fall and our international environment looks grim with Russia back on the scene as our enemy of old taking aggressive steps; building a base in Syria and parking nuclear bombers in Argentina. We will most likely vote a young man who is ill-prepared with the least experience in the history of the country to be president. The American people will continue to point fingers at our Government to blame them for the excess. All total, it looks like we are in for a big piece of humble pie.
In this time of political upheaval, we want to blame the present administration. In truth, we should blame ourselves. Our problems run deep and long dating back to Roosevelt’s New Deal when the government got in the business of trying to rescue the economy. In the course of less than a hundred years we have lost our way.
What does one do about it? Personally, what steps to take?
The first step I’m taking is to get quiet and listen for the truth among all the rhetoric. Try to listen for the voice of reason through the flurry of reports. This is a good time to also get quiet before God and ask Him for wisdom and discernment as to how we should live through some impending difficult times.
The second step I’m taking is to tighten my belt a bit. I’m beginning to discuss with my family the difference between a want and a need and make some spending choices accordingly. The recent hurricane events in Texas certainly help to give a visual reminder of our necessities. The basics such as food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and communication enable us to function as individuals and society at large. We are not the self-contained units we would like to be.
The third step I’m taking is to evaluate my current situation. Are there ways to simplify my lifestyle? What built-in expenses are there that I can alter to reduce our overall financial liability? In my case, for the most part, the answer is to hold steady. Don’t make any sudden changes. We are not hemorraging in any major area, so don’t do anything stupid. Make decisions very slowly and thoughtfully. Put-off major purchases until we see the backside of these turn of events (if we see them anytime soon).
The fourth step I’m taking is to look for opportunity in an economic down turn. Opportunity to prosper with the right investments and opportunity to serve people in need. Each season presents unique challenges and makes available possibilities that won’t present themselves again. The coming economic freefall opens-up the need we have for each other.
It’s going to get worse before it gets better, that we know for sure. How we approach these circumstances will make all the difference. Do we shake in our boots or do we boldly move forward seizing the opporunities before us to turn away from our selfishness and find a new level of caring and interaction with our neighbors. I just pray that any hardships that come would bring-out the best in us.